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Write A 3 Page Paper On One Of The Following Topicwrite An Essay Deal

Write a 3-page paper on one of the following topics: Write an essay dealing with how virtue ethics might come to terms with a contemporary moral issue, such as abortion, capital punishment, or war. Your paper should be double-spaced, use a 12-point font, it should have at least four sources, and should use an acceptable format, such as MLA. REQUIRED REFERENCE: Thiroux, J., & Krasemann, K. (2017). Ethics: Theory and Practice (11th Ed.). Pearson Education.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Virtue ethics, a normative ethical theory rooted in the Aristotelian tradition, emphasizes the development of moral character and virtues that enable individuals to lead morally exemplary lives. Unlike deontological or consequentialist theories, virtue ethics focuses on what kind of person one should be rather than solely on moral duties or the outcomes of actions. In contemporary moral discourse, issues such as abortion, capital punishment, and warfare pose complex ethical dilemmas. This paper explores how virtue ethics might address these contentious issues, illustrating its application in modern moral reasoning.

Virtue Ethics and Moral Character

Virtue ethics is centered on the cultivation of virtues such as courage, justice, temperance, and wisdom. An act is considered morally right if it arises from a virtuous character, and right actions are expressions of virtuous dispositions (Thiroux & Krasemann, 2017). The emphasis on moral character entails that an ethical person embodies virtues that guide morally appropriate behavior universally, rather than adhering to rigid rules or focusing solely on consequences. This orientation promotes moral development and personal integrity as essential components of ethical decision-making.

Addressing Abortion from a Virtue Ethics Perspective

The debate surrounding abortion encompasses concerns about autonomy, the rights of the fetus, and the moral virtues involved. Virtue ethicists would evaluate the moral acceptability of abortion based on virtues such as compassion, justice, and prudence. For instance, a virtuous person might consider whether terminating a pregnancy demonstrates compassion towards a woman facing hardship or if it respects justice and the well-being of the fetus. Virtue ethics would encourage individuals to consider the character they wish to cultivate, emphasizing moderation, empathy, and practical wisdom in navigating complex reproductive choices (Hursthouse, 1999).

Virtue Ethics and Capital Punishment

The application of virtue ethics to capital punishment involves examining virtues like justice, mercy, and integrity. A virtuous individual would seek a balance between justice—appropriately punishing wrongdoing—and mercy—showing compassion where deserved. Some virtue ethicists argue that capital punishment may undermine virtues like mercy, fostering a culture of retribution rather than rehabilitation. Others contend that justice might require appropriate punishment, but only when administered with fairness and temperance (Swanton, 2003). Ultimately, virtue ethics calls for moral reflection on the character and societal virtues reflected in enforcement of capital punishment.

Virtue Ethics and War

War introduces virtues such as courage, justice, temperance, and wisdom. Virtue ethicists examine whether engaging in war aligns with cultivating moral virtues. For example, jus in bello principles like discrimination and proportionality can be evaluated through the lens of virtues. A virtuous leader would exercise wisdom and temperance, avoiding unnecessary violence and seeking peace whenever possible (Frowe, 2008). The concept of a just war also hinges on virtues such as justice and prudence, emphasizing that decisions to engage in conflict should foster moral development and societal well-being.

Conclusion

Virtue ethics provides a holistic approach to contemporary moral issues by focusing on the development of moral character and virtues that guide ethical behavior. When applied to contentious topics like abortion, capital punishment, and war, virtue ethics encourages individuals to cultivate virtues such as compassion, justice, and prudence, fostering moral integrity and practical wisdom. While not offering definitive answers, virtue ethics promotes reflective moral judgment rooted in the character and virtues of responsible moral agents. In an increasingly complex world, this approach underscores the importance of moral development and personal integrity in addressing ethical dilemmas.

References

• Frowe, H. (2008). The ethics of war. Routledge.
• Hursthouse, R. (1999). Virtue ethics. Oxford University Press.
• Swanton, C. (2003). Virtue ethics: A pluralistic view. Oxford University Press.
• Thiroux, J., & Krasemann, K. (2017). Ethics: Theory and Practice (11th ed.). Pearson Education.