Moral Decisions and Virtue Ethics

  • List and explain Alasdair MacIntyre’s three objections to the 19th (and 20th) century conception of “moral science”

·         Explain Aristotle’s concept of relating the moral life to a goal (telos) and how it relates to Christianity (this is important to understanding the basis for virtue ethics).

·         Explain how virtue ethics allows a place for motives and intentions to play a part in morality that deontology may ignore.

·         How are virtues acquired, and how do they affect our moral decision making and behavior?

·         How do virtues relate to God?

·         How does Holmes answer the question of the relativity or diversity of different virtues within different communities or traditions?

·         Explain Aristotle’s concept of virtue as a means between excess and deficiency.

·         How does Aristotle view character development?

·         Contrast the 2 views of character development that arose in the 19th century: rational vs. passions and desire. Why does Holmes favor the latter?

·         What is the main problem with Freud’s deterministic view of character development?

·         What does Aquinas say we need along with habituation of the virtues?

·         Explain Stanley Hauerwas’ emphasis on the need for community in character development.

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