In James Rachel’s book, The Elements of Moral Philosophy, he makes several essential points in chapter twelve. First, he explains what a virtue is and goes ahead to give examples of virtues that people should have in order to live as human beings.He defines moral virtues as traits of characters, manifested in habitual action, that are essential for all people to have.Even though virtues are different from one person to another, we find that there are some virtues common to us as human beings.
Secondly, James shows us what virtues consist of and why we need them. He picked afew examples of virtues and explained them.From this chapter, we realize that it is important to be courageous since everyone is posed to face danger.We are also supposed to be generous since we have the less fortunate in the society. Additionally, we need to be loyal to friends and families since we need them most, and because they form part of our life.Finally, honesty is equally important in order to have good relationswith everyone in the society. Thirdly, James Rachel also enlightened us about the significance of moral virtues in the society, as well as discussing whether virtues are the same to everyone.
Summary:
In Chapter Twelve, James Rachel tries to talk about the ethics of virtue and the ethics of right action. We find that people have different characters because of their different backgrounds.Despite this, people need to live with everyone harmoniouslysince no man is island, hence the need for one another. Virtues are extremely essential in this situation, for instance, courage helps us to overcome danger, honesty helps us in creating good relations with one another, and generosity is important because we need to help those in need in our midst. Additionally, loyalty to friends helps us maintain friends and families because they are important in life.One should acquire these virtues in order to portray good character traits.We also use these virtues to choose different kind of people in the society.For instance,the virtues of a banker are different from the virtues of a lawyer.
Questions:
After reading the chapter, I have several questions that keep lingering on my mind. Generosityis defined as giving out to others while at the same time living a normal life. However, the question is what if the normal life of someone is extremelyextravagant? Is it true that virtues differ from one person to another? For instance, one would not consider walking naked in the beach an issue while another person considers it an issue. Therefore, should we have common virtues? What if someone is attached to his or her religion and these virtues differs from their religious doctrine? Should someone defect from his/her religion to follow these virtues?
Quotes:
“When we need friends then we need the qualities to be afriend”Loyalty should be on top of the list.”According to Peter Geach, “courage is an unworthy cause”. This is because he does not consider courage virtue. To him, courage is less in an evil action.
Connect:
In my own life experience, I have experienced varied virtues especially when I was in the University.I met people from different backgrounds; consequently, this signifies that they haddifferent virtues. Since we needed to live together, we had to learn virtues and understand one another. Virtues like courage, generosity, loyalty and honesty are extremely essential in my life.At times, I am faced with danger from thugs, and I need to defend myself. This needs courage. People occasionally come to me for assistance, and since I am generous; I often help them out from their difficult situations. I need friends and my family as much as I need myself.At the same time,I must keep good relations with them. Therefore, I need to be loyal and honest.
Comment
I really conquer with this chapter since it is quit educative.I like the way the arguments are brought forward.The virtues are defined and at last it comes out to be comprehended to everyone.Every side of the argument is considered and the final decision encompasses all of them. I particularly liked the way virtues are defined here and their importance. The ideas are coherent and well distinguished that make them easy to be followed and understood.
