What is virtue ethics?

Answer

Virtue ethics is a primary category of normative ethics. It asserts that moral conduct is directly tied to living virtuously. An action cannot be ethical if carried out by a corrupt individual, and a virtuous person will naturally engage in virtuous deeds.

In contrast to other secular philosophies, virtue ethics precisely outlines the requirements for performing morally upright actions. To embody virtue, an individual must cultivate three specific traits, identified by three Greek terms. Arête represents excellence in character, embodying qualities such as goodness, honesty, and self-control. Phronesis is moral or practical wisdom that guides one to make the right decisions in any situation. Eudaimonia, on the other hand, signifies a fulfilling and flourishing life. Virtue ethics suggests that through intentional living, one can nurture all three qualities, thus manifesting a character that is inherently moral, despite external influences that may jeopardize eudaimonia.

The Bible certainly advocates for the cultivation of an outstanding, virtuous character. For instance, Noah is described as “a righteous man, blameless in his time” «These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. », (Genesis 6:9). Job 1:1 portrays Job as “blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil.” Additionally, Luke 1:6 mentions that Zacharias and Elizabeth were “both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord.” However, the Bible also acknowledges the imperfection of humanity, stating that “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” «for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; », (Romans 3:23). Therefore, we cannot solely rely on ourselves to act properly.Truly, “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” «For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. », (Philippians 2:13).

The entire book of Proverbs is dedicated to acquiring phronesis. Proverbs 8:11 says, “For wisdom is better than jewels; and all desirable things cannot compare with her.” However, wisdom is not something we can develop on our own. Wisdom is a gift from the Lord «For the LORD giveth wisdom: Out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. », (Proverbs 2:6) and actually begins with reverence for the Lord (1:7).

Secular theories of ethics place a great amount of importance on happiness. Not giddy joy, but well-being and a fulfilled life. The pursuit of eudaimonia implies that the good life is necessary for a virtuous character. The Bible says otherwise. Romans 5:3–5 says, “We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” In other words, trials develop virtue. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation” «These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.», (John 16:33), and maybe that’s a good thing, if the hard times are what God uses to build our character. We can never be completely virtuous, and we cannot develop a virtuous character on our own «By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. », (Hebrews 10:10). However, virtue ethics is not far off in stating that ethical behavior stems from a virtuous character. As Luke 6:43–45 explains,

For there is no good tree that bears bad fruit, nor a bad tree that bears good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thorns, nor grapes from a briar bush. A good person brings good things out of the good stored up in their heart, and an evil person brings evil things out of the evil stored up in their heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.