Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
FEED THE
HUNGRY
FIGURE 2.9 According to Aristotle, happiness derives from living a life of virtue. You acquire
moral virtues by repeating the appropriate acts.
someone each day, not so much because he is interested in being helpful, but because he
looks up to his scoutmaster and seeks his praise and approval. The young scout continues
doing daily good deeds for family members, friends, and even strangers for a significant
period of time. Eventually he realizes that he has persisted in his practice of doing a good
turn daily so that it has become a habit—something so ingrained that he no longer relies
upon the compliments of his scoutmaster for motivation. His daily efforts give him a
sense of genuine satisfaction. At this point being helpful to others has become second
nature to the scout; he has become benevolent.
When someone possessing a virtue does not exercise the virtue, we know there is a
good explanation. Suppose Shirley is known for her reliability. She does what she says
she will do, and she shows up on time for meetings. Everybody knows they can count
on Shirley. One morning Shirley does not show up for a meeting she had promised to
attend. When the others notice her absence, they say, “Something must have happened.”
They understand that there must have been an extenuating circumstance that prevented
Shirley from showing up for the meeting on time.
SUMMARY OF VIRTUE ETHICS
A right action is an action that a virtuous person, acting in character, would
do in the same circumstances. A virtuous person is a person who possesses
and lives out the virtues. The virtues are those character traits human
beings need in order to flourish and be truly happy.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search