Aretaic Moral Theory

Abstract

We have introduced an aretaic moral theory so far as one that derives the rightness of right acts from the correctness of the motives that lie behind them. In the history of moral philosophy this idea comes down to the following: there are certain excellences of human character — the virtues — and praiseworthy conduct is that which flows from a life which manifests these excellences. A life which manifests the virtues is one which displays the human good, which shows human flourishing or happiness to the highest degree. A virtue is a habit of choice and it is in this rarified sense of ‘motive’ that we can say an act is right if it is done for the right motive — meaning an act is right if it is one that a person displaying the human good would choose.