Which statement best describes ethics of virtue?

Which statement best describes ethics of virtue?

• A. Focus on consequences
• B. Focus on duty derived from universal law
• C. Focus on character and virtues
• D. Focus on formal rules

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that ethics of virtue centers on the kind of person you should be—the character and virtues you cultivate. Virtue ethics asks what a person with good character would do in a given situation, and it evaluates actions by whether they express virtuous traits like honesty, courage, compassion, and justice. The focus is on shaping and expressing a virtuous character over time, rather than primarily on the outcomes of actions or on following external rules. That’s why focusing on character and virtues is the best description. In contrast, evaluating actions by their consequences aligns with a utilitarian or consequentialist view, which asks how much good or bad results the action produces. Focusing on duty derived from universal law points to Kantian deontology, where morality rests on adherence to universal maxims. Emphasizing formal rules resembles a rule-based or legalistic approach, prioritizing adherence to prescribed norms.

The main idea here is that ethics of virtue centers on the kind of person you should be—the character and virtues you cultivate. Virtue ethics asks what a person with good character would do in a given situation, and it evaluates actions by whether they express virtuous traits like honesty, courage, compassion, and justice. The focus is on shaping and expressing a virtuous character over time, rather than primarily on the outcomes of actions or on following external rules.

That’s why focusing on character and virtues is the best description. In contrast, evaluating actions by their consequences aligns with a utilitarian or consequentialist view, which asks how much good or bad results the action produces. Focusing on duty derived from universal law points to Kantian deontology, where morality rests on adherence to universal maxims. Emphasizing formal rules resembles a rule-based or legalistic approach, prioritizing adherence to prescribed norms.