hyveetiikkaa

Hyveetiikkaa, often translated as virtue ethics, is a normative ethical theory that focuses on the character of the moral agent rather than on rules or consequences. It emphasizes the development of good character traits, known as virtues, which are believed to lead to right actions and a flourishing life.

Key to virtue ethics is the concept of eudaimonia, which is often translated as human flourishing, well-being, or living a good life. A virtuous person, according to this framework, is someone who possesses and habitually practices virtues like courage, justice, temperance, and wisdom. These virtues are not simply innate qualities but are cultivated through practice, education, and habituation.

Aristotle is a central figure in the development of virtue ethics. He argued that virtues are typically found at a mean between two extremes of deficiency and excess. For example, courage is the mean between cowardice and rashness. The practical wisdom, or phronesis, is crucial for discerning the appropriate action in a given situation and for understanding how to apply virtues effectively.

Unlike deontological ethics, which focuses on duties and rules, or consequentialism, which judges actions based on their outcomes, virtue ethics asks "What kind of person should I be?" rather than "What action should I take?". The emphasis is on developing a virtuous disposition, believing that such a disposition will naturally guide one towards morally right actions. The ultimate goal is not just to perform good deeds, but to become a good person.