Normative Ethics Section 5 Practiceconsequentialism and Virtueconsequentialism Normative

Normative Ethics Section 5 Practice-consequentialism and Virtue-consequentialism

Normative Theory and Virtue Normative theories, other than virtue ethics, can accommodate virtues. Such theories include: § Kantianism § contractarianism § consequentialism. 2

Consequentialism & Virtue n n n Virtue-consequentialism as an expansion of practice-consequentialism. The consequentialist account of virtues does not mean that all virtuous actions are right. Some acts may be virtuous yet wrong. 3

Objective consequentialism (OC) Peter Railton: n n OC does not require one to use consequentialist criteria for run-of-the-mill decisions. OC can justify adherence to relationships & to dispositions (such as virtues). 4

Conflicts n Virtues can conflict. n E. g. veracity & fidelity. n Can appeal to consequentialist criteria to resolve conflicts. 5

Ecological Problems and Virtue Dale Jamieson: n n green virtues consequentialist grounds for defending such virtues. 6

The Precautionary Principle n n Where there is reason to believe there is a risk of serious irreversible harm, scientific uncertainty does not count as a reason against intervention. For better to follow this Principle than adopt the vague virtue of caution. 7

Possible Problem n Virtues may not be accompanied by practical wisdom, moral awareness or moral imagination. Consider how the virtue of practical wisdom has become more relevant in the face of ecological & technological problems. 8

Mindfulness (commended by Jamieson): n n a virtue that partly corresponds to Aristotelian practical wisdom. a disposition that’s compatible with making the world a better place. 9