Flaws Of Virtue Theory

Virtue Ethics

Virtue ethics is a “theory of morality centrally concerning virtue” (Vaughn 162). Virtue based ethics is attributable to Aristotle. A virtue is a deep-seated moral disposition that causes a person to feel and act a certain way. According to this theory there is always a right action, referred to as a virtue; and a wrong action, considered a defect. Since there is always a virtuous way of acting, this means there is a model of excellence. There are many merits to virtue theory, but there are countless issues with it as well. There are three main problems with virtue theory. The first being the true definition of the word “right,” the second is that the theory does not give any concrete principles for solving a specific moral dilemma, and third being virtue conflicts.

First, what exactly is “right” moral virtue? This question raises a major flaw in virtue theory. According to Aristotle, “moral virtue comes as a result of habit” (Nicomachean Ethics 3). A habit is defined as a way a person acts on a regular basis (learnersdictionary.com). If a moral virtue is something you learn from a model of excellence and through practice, that would mean every single human exercise virtue differently. Therefore, one person’s interpretation of right could be another person’s interpretation of wrong and

Virtue ethics focuses on an individual’s moral decision rather than formulating a way to resolve the situation itself. Thus, the theory itself is amiss, because it states that any choice the individual’s character is more important than their actions. For instance, in the trolley problem as an example, virtue theory does not provide any concrete principles to solve the dilemma. It only helps develop character but gives no way to solve the specific problem. “Only a person with practical wisdom” (Nicomachean Ethics 5) can truly act in accordance with the virtue