Virtue Ethics: Aristotle and Indian Philosophical Parallels

Introduction

Virtue ethics shifts the focus of moral philosophy from "What is the right action?" (deontology) or "What produces the best consequences?" (utilitarianism) to "What kind of person should I be?" and "What are the virtues that constitute a flourishing life?" This note covers Aristotle's virtue ethics, its revival, and rich parallels in Indian philosophical traditions.

Aristotle's Virtue Ethics

Background

• Aristotle (384-322 BCE), student of Plato, teacher of Alexander the Great
• Key work: Nicomachean Ethics (10 books, named after his son Nicomachus)
• Eudaimonia (happiness/flourishing): The ultimate goal (telos) of human life
• Eudaimonia is not subjective feeling but objective flourishing-living well and doing well

The Function Argument

• Everything has a function (ergon)-a knife cuts, an eye sees
• The human function is rational activity (logos)
• A good human is one who performs rational activity excellently (in accordance with virtue)
• Therefore: Eudaimonia = "activity of the soul in accordance with virtue"

Doctrine of the Mean (Mesotes)