Virtue ethics differ from aspirational ethics primarily in that virtue ethics focus on who an ethical actor is and their character, while aspirational ethics focus on what actions an ethical actor does, aiming for excellence beyond the minimum requirements.
A Deeper Dive into the Differences
Here's a breakdown of the key distinctions:
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Focus:
- Virtue Ethics: Centers on the moral character of the individual. The emphasis is on developing and cultivating virtues like honesty, compassion, integrity, and fairness. The question asked is: "What kind of person should I be?"
- Aspirational Ethics: Centers on achieving the highest possible ethical standards. It goes beyond simply avoiding harm and seeks to actively promote good. The question asked is: "How can I be the best ethical actor possible?"
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Guidance:
- Virtue Ethics: Provides guidance through the internal compass of a virtuous character. A person with well-developed virtues will naturally act in an ethical manner, even in complex situations.
- Aspirational Ethics: Provides guidance through a commitment to exceeding mandatory ethical standards. It often involves seeking out opportunities to improve ethical conduct and contribute to the well-being of others.
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Motivation:
- Virtue Ethics: Motivation stems from a desire to embody virtuous traits and live a life of moral excellence. Ethical behavior is seen as intrinsically valuable and contributes to personal flourishing.
- Aspirational Ethics: Motivation stems from a desire to make a positive impact and achieve the highest level of ethical performance. It often involves a commitment to continuous improvement and a proactive approach to ethical challenges.
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Relationship to Mandatory Ethics:
- Virtue Ethics: Supports and reinforces mandatory ethics by shaping individuals into responsible and ethical actors who are more likely to comply with rules and regulations.
- Aspirational Ethics: Builds upon mandatory ethics by pushing beyond the minimum requirements and seeking to achieve excellence in ethical conduct.
Example
Imagine a therapist:
- Virtue Ethics: A therapist embodying virtue ethics would consistently demonstrate empathy, patience, and integrity in all interactions with clients, not just because it's required, but because it's part of their character.
- Aspirational Ethics: A therapist practicing aspirational ethics would actively seek out continuing education opportunities to improve their skills, advocate for client welfare in the community, and proactively address potential ethical dilemmas before they arise.
Table summarizing the differences:
| Feature | Virtue Ethics | Aspirational Ethics |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Character of the actor | Actions of the actor, aiming for excellence |
| Question Asked | "What kind of person should I be?" | "How can I be the best ethical actor possible?" |
| Guidance | Internal compass of virtues | Commitment to exceeding minimum standards |
| Motivation | Desire to embody virtuous traits | Desire to make a positive impact |
In essence, virtue ethics shapes the individual from within, while aspirational ethics pushes the individual to reach higher in their actions, both contributing to a more ethical professional practice.
