The Bag from Nowhere

Study Guide

For virtue ethicists, an action is right if it is something that a virtuous person would choose to do; an action is wrong if it is something that a virtuous person would not do. As Nafsika Athanassoulis puts it, "A virtue ethicist is likely to give you this kind of moral advice: 'Act as a virtuous person would act in your situation.'"

Accordingly, it is right to tell the truth because it is something that a virtuous person would do. On the other hand, it is wrong to lie because a virtuous person would choose not to lie.

As an ethical theory, virtue ethics puts premium on a person's excellence of character. According to Aristotle, since all of us aims for a "good life", anyone who successfully fulfills this purpose would be a virtuous, morally upright person.

For Aristotle, there are two kinds of virtues: intellectual virtues and moral virtues. Intellectual virtues, like knowledge, good judgment, and 'practical wisdom', can be taught. We can learn these virtues through instruction. Moral virtues, like courage, generosity, fair-mindedness, and self-respect, on other hand, cannot entirely be taught. We acquire such virtues through experience and habit-forming activities.

Finally, an interesting facet of Aristotle's virtue ethics is the idea of eudaimonia. A virtuous person who knows what is right, does what is right, and does actions for the right reasons is on her way to achieving eudaimonia.

"Eudaimonia" is often translated as happiness. Taken this way, eudamonia is often understood merely as a positive mental state that a person experiences. For Aristotle, however, eudamonia is not a mental state; it is something that a person achieves only if she lived a truly virtuous life. You could only be called a "eudaimon" if you have achieved your true potential at the end of your life.

Key Questions

• Would a virtuous person use the Ring of Gyges?

• Is there really a difference between someone who just seems to act virtuously and someone who is truly virtuous?

• Does a truly virtuous person have a happy life?

Suggested Readings and Materials

• Aristotle. Nichomachean Ethics

• The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Virtue Ethics

• The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Virtue Ethics

• Marianne Talbot. A Romp through Ethics for Complete Beginners

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