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Full Idea
It can be claimed that universality is a necessary property of any ethical theory and therefore virtue theory, which fails in this respect, is not a theory, and hence poses no alternative to genuine ethical theories.
Gist of Idea
Virtue theory isn't a genuine ethical theory, because it doesn't have universal application
Source
Daniel Statman (Introduction to Virtue Ethics [1997], §5)
Book Ref
'Virtue Ethics', ed/tr. Statman,Daniel [Edinburgh 1997], p.20
A Reaction
Replies: a) totally universal morality is an idle dream (part of the 'Enlightenment Project' to prove everything) and we must settle for something more relative; b) virtues aren't totally universal, but they are truths about humanity. I prefer b).
| 7093 | Behaviour may be disgusting or inhumane, but violate no duty [Statman] |
| 7096 | We may still admire a person's character even if the traits are involuntary [Statman] |
| 7094 | Friends express friendship even when no utility is involved [Statman] |
| 7095 | Moral education is better by concrete example than abstract principle [Statman] |
| 7098 | There is a new sort of moral scepticism, about the possibility of moral theories [Statman] |
| 7099 | With a broad concept of flourishing, it might be possible without the virtues [Statman] |
| 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] |
| 7103 | Abortion issues focus on the mother's right over her body, and the status of the foetus [Statman] |
| 7104 | The ancients recognised imperfect duties, but we have added perfect duties like justice [Statman] |