Chapter 7 Questions
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1.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of Aristotle’s virtue ethics theory? What
does Aristotle mean when he says that the virtuous life helps
us
achieve
happiness? What does he mean by happiness? (pp. 172-76)
A strength of Aristotle's virtue ethics theory is that it aligns well with our commonsense
moral judgements and experiences. Another strength would be its consistency and how it
is human centered as well as its flexibility that does not weigh you down with all its rules.
Some weaknesses of the virtue ethics theory are its vagueness, and it can be hard to apply
the theory in a useful way to some situations. When Aristotle says that the virtuous life
helps us achieve happiness and is happiness, he means that virtues make you good and
help you have a good life and are therefore happy. The textbook mentions “For Aristotle,
then, the virtuous—and happy—life is a life of moderation in all things.” (Vaughn,2019,
p.137) Aristotle’s definition of happiness as mentioned in the textbook is “Happiness is
an activity of the soul in accordance with complete or perfect virtue.” (Vaughn, 2019,
p.137)
2.
What is the chief argument against virtue ethics? How can the virtue ethicist
respond? To your mind, how does virtue ethics compare with Kant’s deontology
and utilitarianism (which do you prefer and why)?
The chief argument against virtue ethics is often related to its lack of specific rules or
principles, making it seem less prescriptive and more reliant on individual judgment and
cultural context. It cannot give useful guidance on what we should be without referencing
the principles of duty. The virtue ethicists respond by stating that there is plenty of moral
guidance in statements about virtues and vices. Additionally, virtue ethics allow for
flexibility, and it focuses on moral development as it focuses on character. In my opinion
I would choose utilitarianism and Kants deontology over virtue ethics. This is because
virtue ethics doesn't provide clear-cut guidelines for how to act in specific situations. It
also can be accused of being culturally relative as virtuous can be shaped by culture
which is individually different for everyone. It also lacks the ability to address all
aspects of morality so it can be classified as an incomplete moral theory. It’s because
of these major weaknesses that I cannot say virtue ethics compare to Kant’s
deontology and utilitarianism because while they have their weaknesses they are not as
major.
3.
How does feminist ethics differ from Kantian ethics? (pp. 197–198). What
attitudes did many of the great ethical theorists have toward women? (p. 196)
As defined by the textbook “
Feminist ethics is not a moral theory so much as an
alternative way of looking at the concepts and concerns of the moral life. It is an
approach focused on women’s interests and experiences and devoted to supporting the
moral equality of women and men.” (Vaughn, 2019, p. 142) Feminist ethics has 3
keyways that it differs from Kantian ethics in my opinion. The first is the ethical
foundation, Kantian ethics are duty-based ethical theory. It centers on the idea of
universal moral principles and duties that apply to all rational beings. However Feminist
ethics often critiques traditional ethical theories, including Kantian ethics, for being male-
centric and not sufficiently addressing the experiences and concerns of women and other
marginalized groups. Secondly the moral authority, Kantian ethics do not explicitly
mention or consider gender whereas feminist ethics argues that Kantian ethics, have often
been insensitive to gender-based oppression and discrimination. Thirdly is the
methodology, Kantian ethics is often more abstract and rule-based, with a focus on
principles, duties, and moral rules. Feminist ethics can be more context-specific and
relational. It values the importance of personal narratives and the complexity of real-life
situations. In the past however the great ethical theorists assumed that women are
somehow morally inferior to men- less rational, less important, less mature, and less
moral.
4.
What ways of feeling and thinking have been regarded in the West as
characteristic of women? (p. 196). What kinds of moral issues are more likely to
arise from women’s experiences than men’s? (p. 196)
Women have been neglected by moral philosophers since western moral theory
embodies values that are masculine. Western ethics is alleged to prefer the supposedly
masculine values of independence, autonomy, intellect, dominance exc. over supposed
feminine values of interdependence, community, emotion, trust exc. Moral issues that
are likely to arise from a women’s experience is justice of domestic division of labor, it
obscured the far-reaching social significance and creativity of women's work in the home,
and concealed and even legitimated the domestic abuse of women and girls.
5.
What elements of the moral life does feminist ethics emphasize? What elements
does it deemphasize? (pp. 197–198). Why do feminist philosophers think an ethics
of care is needed? (p. 198)
The elements of a moral life that feminist ethics emphasize are personal relationships,
suspicion of moral principle, rejection of impartiality, and a greater respect for
emotion. (Vaughn, 2019, p. 142) However the elements it deemphasizes is traditional
moral theory. This includes universal moral principles like Kants deontology,
categorical imperatives, and autonomy which is an important value ethics, but feminist
ethics challenges the idea. Feminist philosophers believe an ethics of care is needed
because it contrasts dramatically with traditional moral theories preoccupied with
principles and legalistic moral reasoning.
6.
What are the hard facts that have helped to propel the rise of feminist ethics? (p.
196). What are some of the fundamental elements of the ethics of care? (p. 198)
Some hard facts that helped propel the rise of feminist ethics is favoritism, situation
context, and non-principled/not using actual situations and real people. Moral
judgments emerge from actual situations and are not derived by applying logical
formulas to general principles. Some of the fundamental elements of the ethics of care
are personal relationships and moral virtues like compassion, faithfulness, kindness,
love, and sympathy.
7.
What is Annette Baier’s claim about care and justice? (p. 199). What is Carol
Gilligan’s thesis about moral thinking? (p. 198). Annette Baier’s claim about care and justice as mentioned in the textbook “It is clear, I
think, that the best moral theory has to be a cooperative product of women and men,
has to harmonize justice and care. The morality it theorizes about is after all for all
persons, for men and women, and will need their combined insights.” (Vaughn, 2019,
p.141) Carol Gilligan’s thesis is men and women think in radically different ways
when making moral decisions, men focus on rights, justice, and rules; women focus on
personal relationships, caring for others, being aware of people's feelings, needs, and
viewpoints. Dubbed the two approaches as ethics of justice and ethics of care.
(Vaughn, 2019, p. 141)
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8.
Do you think moral principles such as justice and rights have a place in any good
moral theory? Why or why not? What part do you think emotions should play in
morality?
Yes, moral principles such as justice and rights have a significant place in many well-
regarded moral theories.
Justice is a fundamental concept in ethics and refers to the fair
and equitable distribution of benefits and burdens in society. Additionally, rights are
another central concept in ethical theories and are often seen as fundamental to moral
reasoning. I think emotions play an important part in morality as emotions play a
crucial role in moral intuition. Our emotional responses can serve as immediate moral
judgments that guide our behavior.
Emotions can provide a quick and intuitive way to
evaluate moral situations as well as be powerful motivators for moral action. However,
I do not think some should solely rely on their emotions, it must be separated at
moments so I would say emotions in morality depend on the situation.
9.
Do you believe there are innate differences in the ways men and women deliberate
about moral issues? Or do you think any differences are the result of cultural
influences? Explain.
I do not think there are innate differences but cultural. Such as the sociocultural
influences. Socialization, cultural norms, and societal expectations often shape how
individuals of different genders are taught to approach and think about moral issues.
Plus, while gender can have an impact it’s mostly individual.
Men and women have
diverse backgrounds, experiences, and personality traits that influence their moral
deliberation, making it challenging to make sweeping generalizations about gender and
morality. Additionally, the distinctions between men and women are not rigid, and
many individuals exhibit a mix of care-based and justice-based moral concerns.
10. Do you believe there are situations in which impartiality is important in moral
reasoning? If not, why not? If so, give an example.
Yes, there are situations in which impartiality is important in moral reasoning. I think
this is because in situations with ethical dilemmas, impartiality can help individuals
weigh competing interests and principles objectively. Plus, some moral theories, like
Kantian deontology, emphasize the importance of treating individuals as ends in
themselves and applying moral principles impartially to all rational agents. An
example is Covid-19 when they did not have enough ventilators for every patient.
They had to have impartiality by being non-discriminating and by implementing
fairness. Impartiality ensures that the allocation of limited medical resources is done
fairly, without bias or favoritism.