This essay will focus on the strengths and weaknesses of virtue ethics, a theory that emphasizes the development of virtues to become better people. While some argue that virtue ethics' weaknesses outweigh its strengths due to its difficulty of application, others argue that the theory's strengths outweigh its weaknesses. One of the strengths of Virtue Ethics is its focus on the character of the individual rather than the situation they find themselves in, allowing individuals to achieve eudaimonia. Furthermore, the theory covers intentions and motivations. However, weaknesses of the theory, such as its subjective nature and lack of clear guidelines for decision making, can make it difficult to apply in practice. Despite this, some still argue that the strengths of Virtue Ethics, including its focus on character and self-improvement, outweigh its weaknesses. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay First, one way it can be argued that the weaknesses do not outweigh the strengths is because virtue ethics is an agent-centered theory meaning that the approach focuses on the individual rather than on the situation. This is a strength because although an individual will be held accountable for their actions, right or wrong, the most important part is the moral development of the individual. Focusing on the development of an individual will have a great impact because it allows him to learn from mistakes and at the same time work on his own virtues. These virtues are known as moral virtues: they develop through practice and habit. For example, an individual will practice the virtue of kindness by doing kind things such as helping an elderly person or sharing. This strength of Virtue Ethics shows that the strengths outweigh the weaknesses because it is important to ensure that people realize the best of their potential to achieve their eudaimonia. Therefore, since this is such an important aspect of life as a whole, it must overcome weaknesses simply because of its importance. Another strength of virtue ethics is that it helps achieve eudaimonia. Eudaimonia is the ultimate goal for human beings. Human beings achieve their eudaimonia by thriving and achieving the most they can in their lives. Virtue ethics helps an individual achieve eudaimonia through its encouragement to act virtuously and avoid vices. By practicing intellectual and moral virtues, human beings are gradually achieving their eudaimonia. This is important to the theory because it was put in place to help humans act in a way that would benefit them in achieving their eudaimonia. This overcomes the weaknesses of Virtue Ethics because it helps human beings want to be better people. Finally, another strength of Virtue Ethics that can argue against this claim is that the theory does not simply eliminate other moral theories. Instead of fully engaging other moral theories, Virtue Ethics teaches it differently. For example, Christian ethics teach humans not to kill or steal. Virtue Ethics approaches this by teaching us to act with wisdom and justice. By practicing these virtues it will be very likely that individuals will not kill or steal. This is important because humans can incorporate virtue ethics with other theories they might follow making it easier for them to understand how to act morally. This overcomes the weaknesses of virtue ethics because not.
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