erényetika

Erényetika, often translated as virtue ethics, is a major approach in normative ethics. Unlike consequentialist theories that focus on the outcomes of actions or deontological theories that emphasize duties and rules, virtue ethics centers on the character of the moral agent. The core idea is that an action is right if and only if it is what a virtuous agent would do in the same circumstances.

Key to virtue ethics is the concept of virtue itself, understood as a character trait or disposition that enables a person to act well and live a good life. Virtues are typically seen as excellences of character, such as honesty, courage, justice, and temperance. These virtues are often cultivated through habit and practice, becoming ingrained aspects of an individual's personality.

Instead of asking "What should I do?" virtue ethics often asks "What kind of person should I be?" The focus is on developing virtuous character, believing that this will naturally lead to right actions. The ultimate goal is often described as achieving eudaimonia, a Greek term that can be translated as flourishing, living well, or the good life. Different proponents of virtue ethics, such as Aristotle, but also contemporary thinkers, offer varying accounts of what constitutes a virtuous character and how it is attained. The theory emphasizes practical wisdom (phronesis) as crucial for discerning the right course of action in specific situations.