Macintyre And Virtue Analysis

Virtue ethics can be described as a hybrid theory, which encompasses both teleological and deontological elements. This theory tells us that instead of looking a the action itself and whether it is right or wrong, or looking at the consequences a action a bring. Instead we should focus on our character, and develop the cardinal virtues in order to achieve ultimate happiness and become truly virtuous. Virtue ethics was first devised from the times of Ancient Greece by Aristotle, however has been adapted by various philosopher and been revived into what it is today. In this essay I will examine the changes that Macintyre made to traditional virtue ethics.

The basis of virtue ethics first stems from Aristotle, a ethical theory princely concerned with human character, using the concept of virtues in order to develop into becoming a moral person. Aristotle argued that whenever we do something we do so in order to gain a end this end being a chief good, he referred to as Eudaemonia. In which he believed was a good that should be pursued, to achieve ultimate happiness. He understood however that not every was aware on how to
Macintyre appreciated that with time expectations and virtues would change dependent on many different cultures, he also explained why virtues changed. This is demonstrated in his example where The Homeric virtues included physical strength and courage. In the case of being attacked, being cunning and in sly to avoid attack, may of been deemed examples of virtuous behaviours . However as small villages developed over time into large cities, cunning may be seen as vice more so then a virtue and instead more value would be put on