Annas- "Being Virtuous and Doing the Right Thing"

What two distinct objections does the developmental account avoid?

1. First that we would unthinkingly follow the actions of role models 2. Second our account of virtues is distinctly parocial.

What are 4 objections to Annas reasoning for virtue theory? What are some responses?

1. How are we to identify the virtuous person? (There are some objective parts of human flourishing that require virtues. Most societies are similar that they require similar virtues to flourish well). 2. There are no virtuous people to provide example of virtuousness 3. Many of the moral dilemmas we face would not be faced by a truly virtuous person. 4. This understanding of virtuous action doesn't avoid the previous objection to the computer manual version of decision theory.

What are some problems with the computer model of decision making theory?

1. If the theory of decision making is correct then experience would be meaningless to understanding 2. If having a moral understanding of what one ought to do is simply like possessing a computer manual then one could give good moral advice while having a poor moral character oneself 3. ***most important*** the doubt that what we need from a moral theory is to be told what to do. Also, this can't account for what to do when we make a moral mistake.

What are 3 common objections to virtue theory?

1. It is too vague to apply to the real world or tell us what the right action is. 2. It is too parochial; we tend to understand the virtues through a particular social or familial lens 3. Can't tell us what to do in cases of ethical disagreement.

What is the developmental account?

It is a three fold approach that looks at the virtuous person, the right action, and the developmental process through which we become virtuous. Learning a virtue is like learning a practical skill. First you need to pick a role model to learn how to do your skill. Then you do not unthinkingly follow the actions of one's role model. Rather one comes to have one's own understanding of virtuousness.

Why does Annas think that virtue theory is a better alternative? If this is the case, what makes for a good action?

It's better to focus on what makes for a good person instead of the right action. An action is right if and only if it is what a virtuous person would do.