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Single Idea 7097

[filed under theme 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 1. Virtue Theory / d. Virtue theory critique ]

Full Idea

MacIntyre argues that the concept of virtue is secondary to that of a role-figure, where the latter is always defined by some particular tradition and culture.

Gist of Idea

Virtue is secondary to a role-figure, defined within a culture

Source

report of Alasdair MacIntyre (After Virtue: a Study in Moral Theory [1981]) by Daniel Statman - Introduction to Virtue Ethics §3

Book Ref

'Virtue Ethics', ed/tr. Statman,Daniel [Edinburgh 1997], p.15

A Reaction

MacIntyre is much more of a relativist than Aristotle. There must be some attempt to deal with the problem of a rotten culture which throws up a corrupt role-model. We need a concept of a good culture and of individual flourishing.

The 20 ideas with the same theme [reasons against virtue theory]:

3548 Aristotle neglects the place of rules in the mature virtuous person [Annas on Aristotle]
1581 Greeks elevate virtues enormously, but never explain them [Descartes]
3544 Kant thinks virtue becomes passive, and hence morally unaccountable [Kant, by Annas]
5289 When aristocracy or the bourgeoisie dominate, certain values dominate with them [Marx/Engels]
20375 Virtues must be highly personal; if not, it is merely respect for a concept [Nietzsche]
2881 Virtue has been greatly harmed by the boringness of its advocates [Nietzsche]
24132 After Socrates virtue is misunderstood, as good for all, not for individuals [Nietzsche]
20198 Many virtues are harmful traps, but that is why other people praise them [Nietzsche]
20103 You are mastered by your own virtues, but you must master them, and turn them into tools [Nietzsche]
7165 Virtue is wasteful, as it reduces us all to being one another's nurse [Nietzsche]
7193 Virtue for everyone removes its charm of being exceptional and aristocratic [Nietzsche]
22476 Nietzsche thought our psychology means there can't be universal human virtues [Nietzsche, by Foot]
9260 Virtues won't generate an obligation, so it isn't a basis for morality [Prichard]
23692 Good and bad are a matter of actions, not of internal dispositions [Foot]
16956 To explain generosity in a person, you must understand a generous action [Dummett]
7097 Virtue is secondary to a role-figure, defined within a culture [MacIntyre, by Statman]
7101 Virtue theory needs an external standard to judge behaviour and character [Inwagen, by Statman]
4334 Virtue ethics is open to the objection that it fails to show priority among the virtues [Hursthouse]
7100 Virtue theory isn't a genuine ethical theory, because it doesn't have universal application [Statman]
7102 Promises create moral duties that have nothing to do with character [Statman]