PHL 3080 - Virtue Ethics

Credits: 4

In recent years virtue ethics has emerged from a long and rich history to become one of the three major approaches in contemporary normative ethics. Whereas the deontological approach to ethical questions emphasizes rules, and the consequentialist (or utilitarian) approach emphasizes results, virtue ethics emphasizes character. This course examines the distinctive approach theoretical structure, practical applicability, specific questions, and future trajectory of virtue ethics. It will be helpful to all those students of ethics who want to appreciate the diversity of the discipline, and useful to all those who want to understand the enormous impact of virtue ethics on contemporary philosophy, culture, and life. Above all, the course provides students with an excellent opportunity to examine one of life’s fundamental ethical questions: How can we honestly live genuinely good lives, that is, lives that are happy, virtuous, and pleasant?
Prerequisite(s): Any 1000 level course.
Fulfills: E in LS Core