Virtue Ethics shifts the focus from rigid rules or outcomes to the moral character of the individual. Rooted in Aristotle’s philosophy, it emphasizes cultivating virtues—such as courage, honesty, and compassion—as the foundation for ethical behavior. Instead of asking, “What should I do?” it asks, “What kind of person should I be?”

Key points:

• Eudaimonia: The ultimate goal is flourishing or living well, achieved through virtuous living.
• Golden Mean: Virtues are often found as a balance between extremes (e.g., courage is the mean between recklessness and cowardice).
• Practical Wisdom (Phronesis): The ability to discern the right action in specific contexts, developed through experience and reflection.

Virtue Ethics is less prescriptive than deontological or consequentialist approaches, focusing on moral growth and the complexity of human life. Critics argue it can be vague or culturally relative, but proponents value its emphasis on character and the holistic nature of ethical living.