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Summary
Pure focus on virtue ethics: a theory of normative ethics that looks for a space filled with kindness, empathy, and compassion. i.e. morality based on passion/emotions
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utilitarianism says that an action is right if it produces the best outcome, and Kantian deontology says that an action is right if it conforms to an a priori moral principle, virtue ethics claims that what makes an action right is that it would demonstrate the best character.
Util.. and deontology are deontic in nature: WHat we ought to do
Virtue Ethics is Aretaic: What we ought to be
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Keywords -
• Moral: concerned with the principles of right and wrong behaviour • Virtue Signaling: • Normative Moral Theory:
• Tenet: a principle or belief
• Disposition: A person’s inherent qualities of mind and character
• Behavioural Disposition: Facet (a particular aspect) of our character
• Supervene: occur as an interruption or change to an existing situation. • Qua: In the capacity of; as being
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Successful Person Checklist:
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Study Questions:
WHat is Phronesis?
How might we cultivate phronesis given our role as comp scientists and engineers
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Phronesis originates from the Greek language and refers to practical wisdom. It describes knowing the right thing to do and WHEN to do it (Context Dependent) and why it is the right thing to do. It requires sensitivity to complex ethical situations. It is not based on rules but rather common sense.
Us students, qua computer scientists and engineers can cultivate phronesis through developing and practicing skills such as ethical sensitivity, awareness, analysis and judgement
when engaging in technical work
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virtue ethics says that we cannot outsource morality to any algorithm or schema of thought, it is based on emotions
Is a life spent focusing on utility calculations or pre-empirical rational bases really a moral life?
What space might we find for kindness, empathy, and compassion, to say nothing of love, loyalty, dedication, and purpose?
Virtue Ethics explores the role played by emotions in deciding moral standing. - moral justification lies in the space of passion rather than the space of reasons
Morality can only be achieved via acting freely
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the tenet of Virtue Ethics that places emotions(passions) at the centre of normative morality
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Emotions motivate us to act before we can identify ANY reason for the action.
eg. I did XYZ because it makes me happy
Our emotions tell us what actions are morally correct.
A good/moral person is a person with good character
Moral Education = cultivation of one’s character.
One’s character is derived from one’s behavioral disposition
The Doctrine of the Mean
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The tenet of Virtue ethics that understands a virtue to always be situated between a pair of vices.
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Virtues are good behavioural dispositions/ characteristic
Vices are bad behavioural dispositions
Our behaviour/actions are subject to change based upon our emotional responses - too great of an emotional response will lead to vices of excess, too little will lead to the corresponding vices of deficiency.
Virtues are stable character traits that show themselves when we feel and express emotions appropriately — not too much, not too little, and in situations where they are fitting.
Vices are a failure to feel and express emotions appropriately.
Virtue is the balanced middle ground between two opposite vices
The emotion of fear in relation to the vices of recklessness and cowardice, and the virtue of bravery/courage.
The emotion of giving in relation to the vices of stinginess(deficiency) and prodigality(excess), and the virtue of generosity.
Morality is not transactional - you cannot make up being a bad person by doing one good thing
The deliberate pursuit of something removes the intuitive nature of trying to achieve that thing.
Deliberately pursuing something makes the thing more remote.
be something then intuitively act towards with aligned behaviours
Moral exemplar: Go look at someone with the characteristic and then copy them
Virtue Ethicists says that a person’s behaviour - along with their motivations for action - are the mark of their character.
The motivations of others may be perceivable through the sensitivity of our own intuition/ emotions but you can never truly know. - are they kind to me because that is a salient virtue or is there an ulterior motive?
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