How does virtue ethics define ethical action?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

When evaluating how virtue ethics defines ethical action, we start by considering the core contrast with other ethical theories. 
Option a: 'By the financial benefits it provides' focuses on outcomes or external rewards rather than character. Virtue ethics centers on the actor's character and what a virtuous person would do, not on monetary gains. This makes it an inaccurate depiction. 
Option b: 'By adherence to laws' emphasizes legal compliance, which aligns more with deontological or legalistic perspectives. Virtue ethics asks not simply what the rules require, but what a person of virtue would do in a given situation, even if the law says otherwise. Thus this option misstates the emphasis of virtue ethics. 
Option c: 'Through positive character traits like integrity and fairness' directly captures the essence of virtue ethics, which assesses ethical action by the cultivation and exercise of virtuous character traits. Actions are virtuous when they express or flow from such traits. This aligns with the fundamental idea that ethics is about character formation. 
Option d: 'By the avoidance of disagreement' suggests that ethical action is determined by reducing conflict or consensus, which is not a central aim of virtue ethics. Virtue ethics is concerned with what a virtuous person would characteristically do, not simply minimizing disputes. 
In summary, option c best matches the virtue ethics framework, because it foregrounds the development and expression of positive character traits as the basis for ethical action, whereas the other options misattribute the focus to consequences, law, or conflict avoidance.}

How does virtue ethics define ethical action?

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