Moral Choices
In essence, Aristotle has largely been associated with virtue ethics. To a large extent, this is a character-based approach founded on the assumption that it is through practice that we acquire virtue (Mizzoni, 2009). It therefore follows that one could further reinforce a character that is moral and honorable by, for instance, practicing generosity, justice, as well as honesty. The notion that Aristotle, thus, promotes is that habits that are virtuous ought to be honed. This is what promotes the ability of a person to make good decisions when confronted by an ethical challenge. Mill’s perspective is, however, firmly rooted in the need to advance happiness for the greatest number. Thus the basis of our decisions should be the advancement of happiness for the greatest number of people. This is, according to Boone (2017), is essentially a utilitarian perspective. To a large extent, Mill’s ethical view has a broader perspective. Unlike Aristotle’s ethics, it neither relies upon principles that are rather abstract, not intuitions that are vague. It is clear-cut. This is to say that it could be operationalized in broader social contexts to advance social policies. However, in this case, decision making could be problematic as the outcome of a certain outcomes may not be clear from the onset. On the other hand, it is important to note that Aristotle virtue ethics approach comes in handy in the promotion of virtuous human characteristics. Thus, no theoretical perspective is imposed upon a person in this case – as is the case, for instance, with Kantian ethics whereby duty happens to be the key motivator for good deeds. It is, however, important to note that it is difficult to identify or define the exact nature of virtues. This is more so the case given that different people have varying perspectives on the basis of their beliefs and culture.
References
Boone, B. (2017). Ethics 101: From Altruism and Utilitarianism to Bioethics and Political Ethics, an Exploration of the Concepts of Right and Wrong. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster.
Mizzoni, J. (2009). Ethics: The Basics. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
