Virtue Ethics (Essay Sample)

Introduction

Virtue Ethics started in the years of Socrates and Plato’s era wherein they explained and argued that knowledge consists of both good and evil. They also stated that there is an inert quality in every man, the desire to be good and to perform kindness to others. However, there are also instances when men battle with the wicked nature in their lives. The greatest battlefield is the mind of a man. They also wrote and discussed that every man has spiritual, emotional and mental levels and factors that affects behavior and actions. Likewise, the internal wants and needs of a man also surfaces in the form of wanting to achieve, to be popular, to accumulate wealth, to build a community of friendship where he is on top of the ladder, as well as success and knowledge. Furthermore, it is the actions and decisions that men make to achieve all these and this is where virtue ethics plays its role. The ability to maintain honesty, fairness, to act with wisdom and stature fights alongside the desire to be evil, selfish, to be disloyal and to lie as opposed to telling the truth.

The Essence of Virtue Ethics

Accordingly, Virtue Ethics represents justice, rational behavior, honor in both words and actions and the ability to pursue goodness, kindness and righteousness in attaining the successes in life. This comes with having the heart to accomplish the desires without stepping on someone else’s foot or hurting other people to get what is needed. It consists of the main factors such as temperance, justice, prudence and fortitude. Many have fallen prey to lustful desires of the flesh, of non-contentment of material possessions and the desire to get more. This could be very dangerous and might lead to the loss of virtue, morality and integrity.

In addition, the other values of diligence, kindness, patience, humbleness, chastity, are all a part of the virtue ethics. Contrary to these characteristics and qualities are the seven deadly sins known as gluttony, pride, jealousy, greed, sloth, wrath, and lust. All these negative behaviors could lead to drastic consequences and deadly results. Success in life goes deeper than accumulating wealth, properties and material possessions. It also involves building up relationships with other individuals and encouraging other people in their own battles and dilemmas. Nevertheless, the virtue ethics are the very foundation of principles and concepts made beforehand by highly reputable writers and philosophers which served as the bridge to improvements and successes in life. This philosophy started in Greece then influenced the western world on a later date. From the simple and basic tasks within the family, up to the job performance in the workplace and school, virtue ethics is direly needed for unity and purpose. In the absence of these virtues, there is a great chance for failure and damage. People who have practiced these concepts have attained their dreams and visions and have also helped others to reach their fullest potentials. The process of applying these good behavioral factors are not easy but at the end, the results are amazing.

Conclusion

Virtue Ethics is now being used in every area of the world. It also includes professionalism at work and even to the simplest task of respecting and obeying our parents and adult guides. These virtues are needed to survive in life and to build stronger friendships and a higher attainment of learning and education. A well-educated person possess these qualities. It has been proven that people who are aware of virtue ethics have ended up to be in a much better place rather than those who disregard these timely principles in life.

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