Virtue Ethical Theory

I believe that virtue ethics is the most plausible ethical theory. It is the only theory that requires us to work better ourselves by cultivating virtues instead of giving a law to follow or because we value the outcomes. In addition, with today’s society being self-centered it is the theory that has the best chances of being accepted. A virtue is defined as the mean between the extremely good and extremely bad and arriving to that just middle take time, dedication, and patience. One does not own a virtue but a virtue defines who one is. Dedicating a lifetime to become better versions of ourselves is what we are already doing and virtue ethics is the theory with the path towards it.
On the other hand the fact that virtue ethic is centered on the individual can be seen as its greatest weakness. Virtue ethics is selfish and has no accountability. Expecting everyone to cultivate the right virtues on their own and act virtuously without any hidden agenda all the time is unrealistic. However, that is the reason why virtue ethics also emphasize the importance of relationships. They give each individual the strength and
balance to stay virtuous. Furthermore, by being selfish, virtue ethics does not care about the consequences of one’s action on others. Even if this is fundamentally true, it is important to remember that a virtuous person is defined as such because his or her actions are good for others and without seeking any gratifications. Therefore, a virtuous person is in fact not selfish at all but is constantly displaying concern for others wellbeing. In a world where everyone is acting as to promote the others happiness, welfare, health and so forth, no one is selfish.
Conversely, one has to wonder if it is possible to have a world where we hold each other accountable for our actions and we all act with the sole purpose of promoting good around us.
It is impossible to truly know the deepest thought and motivation of anyone. Virtue ethics only work is the intentions are pure and the actions are selfless. It is then not possible to identify truly virtuous persons. A great number of people will pretend to be virtuous for many different reasons and this theory will be used as a mean to an end. In addition, relationships do not always blossom and stay happy. The fact that the accountability of virtue ethics is related to them leaves the door open for damaging relationships to hurt the virtues and lead one to fall into one of the extremes. As good as it may appear to be virtue ethics can be deemed to utopic for our
world.