Virtue Ethics: Character Shaping Moral Philosophy - Essay Sample

Introduction

Virtue ethics is a general term that defines the multiple theories that focus on the function of virtue or character in the field of moral philosophy. A subscriber to the virtue ethics is more likely to advise people to behave as a virtuous person would as opposed asking you to act in a manner that yields good consequences. Virtue ethics stems from the Aristotle following his postulation that a moral individual's character traits are ideal. Natural internal tendencies inspire the characteristics, but there is a need to nature them. After the attributes are well established, they become the norm. For instance, a genuinely virtuous individual is consistently kind in multiple scenarios for a lifetime since it is their character to be helpful. The kindness is not tied to any expected benefits of future gain or as a way of avoiding undesirable consequences. Moreover, theories surrounding virtue ethics are not limited to outlining universal standards applicable across all moral situations. Virtue ethics answer a broader question encompassing the best way to live, the rationale behind a good life, and the definition of proper social and family values.

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On the other hand, environmental ethics is the exploration of the ethical connection between the natural environment and humans. The concept covers all the non-human element that forms part of the natural environment. The first idea is to come up with the most appropriate understanding of nature and human relationships by recognizing the values and goods that are within or emerging from the link (Alzola et al., 2017). It also determines the principles justifiable by the identified values and how they are correctly applied to act as guidance on the interaction. Therefore, virtue ethics regarding the environment is the faction of environmental ethics that defines character. The principal issues in environmental virtue ethics include the factors that qualify a trait as either an ecological vice or ecological virtue, and understanding the significance of environmental virtue ethics.

Virtue is a trait that is satisfactorily justified and the ability to respond to various situations in the world excellently. If according to the world, the suffering of a person is wrong, but an individual is indifferent about it or acts to cause it, then the person fails the test of responding to the condition excellently. In this case, the state is conventionally a morally salient fact. Thus, insensitivity and indifference towards the suffering of others pass as a vice (Kawall, 2018). Also, being compassionate and empathetic towards others is a virtue. Therefore, environmental virtue ethics is a critical faction of environmental ethics from multiple dimensions. The concept of vice and virtue assist in categorizing the nexus between nature, human beings, and challenges in the environment. Virtue ethics defines how behaviors considered as environmentally friendly become ideal for flourishing. It also coerces individuals to abided by the environmental ethic norms and principles. In general, it acts as guidance to assist humans in recognizing the appropriate environmental policies and actions.

The concept of environmental virtue ethics is an integral part of the broader environment ethics. The primary reason is the diverse nature of the principle terms virtue and vice compared to the definition of duty and consequences. In the English language, there are hundreds of terms referring to virtue and vice. Some of the typical examples include compassion and cruelty, generosity and miserliness, and honesty and dishonesty. The broadness of the concept allows for diverse assessment of both behavior and character as opposed to the typical consequentialist and deontological theories. The diversity is also significant in extensively tackling the complex nature of the relationship between humans and the environment (Dzwonkowska, 2018). The environment is the primary source of various aspects such as recreation, knowledge, resources, and spiritual connection. It may also act as a threat unknown to humans.

Additionally, the challenges within the environment are also complicated and diverse. The issues surrounding wilderness and land use cited by ancient environmentalists are still evident. The public and people in authority are still dealing with problems fire suppression policies, protection of wild animals, and construction of roads in the forests. The conditions are even worse due to the pollution issues that emerged around the 1960s following industrialization. One cannot forget the trending problems of rapid population growth and global warming (Dzwonkowska, 2018). Following the broad array of environmental issues, environmental value ethics avails people with the much needed diverse and dynamic assessment principles.

The above elaboration point to one fundamental question regarding environmental ethics. The objective is to understand the obligation and responsibility that humans have concerning nature. After circumnavigating through the various considerations, the ultimate answer is that the human race is on the verge of perishing because of failure to regulate their actions towards the environment. Therefore, virtue ethics regarding the environment is anthropocentric, meaning human centeredness. The argument is also validated by the fact that only humans can reason and deliberate on moral matters. Thus all ethical considerations are in one way or another human-centered. However, environmental virtue ethics has a broader meaning than pure anthropocentrism. Even though it is still human-centered, it encompasses nurturing the character to do good not only towards other humans but also to every element forming part of the environment.

References

Alzola, M., Romar, E., & Hennig, A. (2017). Virtue ethics between east and west.

Dzwonkowska, D. (2018). Environmental Virtue Ethics and Sustainability. Problemy Ekorozwoju, 13(2), 139-146.

Kawall, J. (2018). Environmental Virtue Ethics. In The Oxford Handbook of Virtue.