Elucidations Episode 57: Julia Annas discusses virtue ethics
Mar 19, 2014
Julia Annas discusses virtue ethics and the ancient Greek conception of ethics. They explore the importance of character traits, virtues in everyday life, the relationship between virtue and happiness, controversies surrounding virtue ethics, and its practical applications in various professions.
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Character, Not Just Actions, Is Central
- Virtue ethics centers on what sort of person you are rather than only which actions are right.
- It treats character and actions as mutually explanatory rather than deriving all from one foundational concept.
Learn Virtues Like Practical Skills
- Learn virtues the way you learn practical skills: through upbringing, role models, and making them your own.
- Reflect and adapt the virtues you inherited rather than copying them by rote.
Scientific Study Hits Limits On Virtue
- Studying virtues scientifically is possible but limited because virtues are long-term and include hidden motives.
- Psychologists can track actions but capturing reasons and stable character is harder.