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What are the criticisms against virtue ethics and how can they be addressed?

Harlen MacAllister

Virtue ethics has become a popular ethical framework in recent years, but it is not without criticism. Some of the criticisms of virtue ethics include its subjective nature, its reliance on tradition and cultural norms, and its lack of clear guidelines or rules. However, these criticisms can be addressed through a deeper understanding of virtue ethics and its underlying principles.

One of the main criticisms of virtue ethics is its subjective nature. Virtues such as courage, loyalty, and honesty are open to interpretation and can vary widely depending on cultural and social norms. Some critics argue that this makes virtue ethics too relative and subjective to be a reliable ethical framework.

However, this criticism misses the point of virtue ethics. Virtue ethics is not designed to offer a strict set of rules or guidelines, but rather to encourage individuals to cultivate positive character traits and develop moral excellence. Virtues are not meant to be rigidly defined, but rather are open to interpretation and adaptation based on context and individual circumstances.

Another criticism of virtue ethics is that it relies too heavily on tradition and cultural norms. Some critics argue that virtues are simply products of their cultural and social contexts and are not universally applicable across different cultures and contexts.

While there is some truth to this criticism, it is important to note that virtue ethics does not rely solely on tradition and cultural norms. Rather, it invites individuals to critically examine their own cultural and social contexts and to reflect on whether the virtues they espouse are truly in line with genuine moral excellence. This can lead to a deeper understanding of one's own cultural and social biases and can encourage individuals to challenge and seek to change harmful cultural and social norms.

A third criticism of virtue ethics is its lack of clear guidelines or rules. Virtue ethics does not offer a strict set of rules or moral absolutes, which some critics argue leaves individuals without a clear ethical compass.

However, again, this criticism misses the point of virtue ethics. Virtue ethics is not designed to offer a strict set of moral rules, but rather to provide individuals with a framework for cultivating positive character traits and developing moral excellence. The development of virtue requires ongoing reflection and self-examination, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to moral excellence.

In conclusion, while virtue ethics is not without its criticisms, these criticisms can be addressed through a deeper understanding of virtue ethics and its underlying principles. Virtue ethics is not meant to provide a strict set of rules or guidelines, but rather to encourage individuals to cultivate positive character traits and develop moral excellence. By critically examining one's own cultural and social biases and reflecting on what it means to truly live a virtuous life, individuals can begin to develop a deeper sense of moral awareness and can strive to become more virtuous human beings.