Essay Sample on Aristotle's Virtue Ethics and Its Application to the Problem of Abortion

Introduction

Various theories on ethics have been advanced over the years by different philosophical thinkers. One of these ethical theories is the virtue ethics inspired by the ideological thinking of the great philosopher Aristotle. Under moral philosophy, virtue ethics emphasizes on the moral character of an individual or their virtue when undertaking an action rather than doing it as a person's mandated duty or as a result of the good consequences of their actions. Aristotle argued that virtue ethics are brought out by the personal values and moral character trait of an individual. These personal values, according to the philosopher, are as a result of continuous natural habits that have to be nurtured and become internalized within an individual. People with a virtuous character aspire to live their lives guided by a moral compass of personal values (Hursthouse p. 224). Aristotle made the key assumption that the moral values in a person are acquired through practice. An individual eventually becomes an honorable person in the society by embracing the moral values of justice, honesty, generosity, kindness, etc. over time. This reinforces the person's character over time such that it helps them in making the correct decisions and choosing the right course of action whenever they are presented with life's ethical dilemmas. Virtue ethics is an essential part of the human character because it helps us to comprehend on the actual meaning of leading a morally upright lifestyle. There can only be virtues and vices under the theoretical approach of virtue ethics. It is through virtues that human beings can discern what course of action is morally right or wrong. The virtues are instilled within an individual who pursues them as part of their character and not just to conform to rules or authority.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Order now

Hursthouse admits that Aristotle's virtue ethics have gained momentum as an ethical theory, thus attracting various criticisms along the way. Through her work, she makes arguments to dispel the criticisms thrust towards virtue ethics which she believes they are appropriate as long as they are applied properly. Hursthouse drives her point home by using the practical issue of abortion that is always emotively discussed in the society. The author claims that abortion would be a justifiable course of action to a woman who seeks to pursue virtuous actions but would be hindered to do so by her pregnancy. There are other instances in which the author points out that procuring an abortion for women would be deemed as not virtuous. One case in point is where women would undertake an abortion to free themselves of a pregnancy so that they can have a good time. Irrespective of whether the abortion procedure was done for virtuous or non-virtuous reasons, the author fails to offer a moral template that women in the society can apply to make a sound decision on whether to procure an abortion or not (Hursthouse p. 237). She aptly defies the criticisms of Aristotle's virtue ethics by saying that abortion is a decision that manifests the moral character of the woman making a choice to undergo through the process. The end result on have an abortion is brought about by a combination of factors under various circumstances. It is upon the morally upright woman to weigh on their different options before finally settling on where her moral compass points. The author succeeds in dissecting this emotive issue that attracts divergent opinions in a society with strong forces that support and oppose abortion.

Works Cited

Hursthouse, Rosalind. "Virtue Theory and Abortion." Philosophy & Public Affairs, vol. 20, no. 3, 1991, pp. 223-246. JSTOR, JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/2265432.