Question 1

Virtue Ethics attempts to fulfill a need neglected by traditional (deontic) ethical systems.

Accepted Answer

Virtue Ethics focuses on the character and virtues of the moral agent rather than solely on the rules or consequences of actions, addressing aspects of morality that deontic (duty-based) ethics might overlook, such as personal moral development and the importance of moral character.

Question 2

Aristotle was a leading Virtue Ethicist.

Accepted Answer

Aristotle is considered a leading figure in Virtue Ethics due to his work in "Nicomachean Ethics," where he emphasizes the importance of character and virtue in ethical behavior.

Question 3

Ayn Rand was a famous Virtue Ethicist.

Accepted Answer

Ayn Rand is best known for developing a philosophical system called Objectivism, which emphasizes rational self-interest, individual rights, and laissez-faire capitalism, rather than Virtue Ethics.

Question 4

Virtue Ethicists complain that traditional ethical systems lack a motivational component.

Accepted Answer

Virtue ethicists argue that traditional ethical systems, such as deontological ethics (duty-based) and consequentialism (outcome-based), often fail to adequately address the importance of an individual's character and motivations in ethical decision-making. They emphasize the role of virtues and moral character, suggesting that knowing what is right is not sufficient for ethical behavior; one must also be motivated by virtuous character traits.

Question 5

Father Kolbe rejected Virtue Ethics.

Accepted Answer

Father Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish Franciscan friar, is not specifically known for rejecting Virtue Ethics. Instead, his life and actions, particularly his self-sacrifice in Auschwitz, are often cited as exemplars of virtuous behavior, embodying principles like altruism and compassion that are central to Virtue Ethics.

Question 6

Virtue Ethics has epistemological problems.

Accepted Answer

Virtue ethics, focusing on the character of the moral agent rather than on rules or consequences, can face epistemological challenges in determining the specific virtues that are universally applicable and in understanding how these virtues can be reliably known or measured.

Question 7

An example of Virtue Ethics is&#10;A) Ayn Rand&#10;B) Father M. Kolbe&#10;C) Al Capone&#10;D) Nietzsche

Accepted Answer

Father M. Kolbe is an example of Virtue Ethics because he is known for his moral virtues, particularly his act of self-sacrifice during World War II, which aligns with the focus on character and moral virtues in Virtue Ethics.

Question 8

One criticism of Virtue Ethics of Kant's ethical theory is&#10;A) Kant is too religious&#10;B) Kant is too antireligious&#10;C) For Kant natural goodness is irrelevant&#10;D) Kant did not live out his ethics.

Accepted Answer

Kant's ethical theory, known as deontological ethics, emphasizes duty and rules over the consequences of actions. It does not consider natural goodness or virtues as relevant to the moral worth of an action. Instead, it focuses on whether an action is performed out of a sense of duty and adherence to universal moral laws.

Question 9

What is the lesson of Thomas Hill's story of a deferential wife?&#10;A) The wife is the prefect moral person.&#10;B) The wife should become more assertive and go out to work.&#10;C) The wife exemplifies low-self-esteem.&#10;D) The wife should become a religious believer.

Accepted Answer

Thomas Hill's story of a deferential wife illustrates the concept of low self-esteem, as the wife's deferential behavior is used to highlight issues related to self-worth and autonomy in moral and ethical discussions.

Question 10

An important criticism of action-based ethics is that&#10;A) It neglects religion&#10;B) It is too consequentialist, carrying about results.&#10;C) It ignores the spiritual dimension of life.&#10;D) It gets hung up on rules&#10;E) It lacks a sense of humor.

Accepted Answer

The answer of An important criticism of action-based ethics is...

Question 11

Write an essay on the strengths and weaknesses of Virtue Ethics in comparison with traditional rule-govern systems.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Write an essay on the strengths and...

Deck 27: Religion and Ethics