Session 6 - Normative Virtue Theory

Session #6: Examining the Moral Life Normative Virtue Theories and the Psychotherapeutic Psychologies : 

Session #6: Examining the Moral Life Normative Virtue Theories and the Psychotherapeutic Psychologies Frankena, Ethics, pp. 61-78

Review: Three Types of Ethics : 

Review: Three Types of Ethics …Framing the clinical setting.

Review of Frankena’s Normative Ethical Framework : 

Review of Frankena’s Normative Ethical Framework OBLIGATION THEORY Moral Obligations (Deontic) Non-Moral Obligations Deontology Teleology Agapism Rule Act Ethical Egoism Ethical Utilitarianism Hedonism Non-Hedonism Rule Act Rule Act

Frankena’s Ethical Framework: : 

Normative Ethics Deciding what are desirable standards of conduct and character traits? Frankena’s Ethical Framework: Obligation Theory Virtue Theory The student is referred to Handout 6(a) on Doc Sharing

Frankena’s Normative Ethical Framework : 

Frankena’s Normative Ethical Framework VIRTUE THEORY (Aretic) Moral Virtues Non-Moral Virtues Trait Deontological Trait Teleological Trait Egoism Trait Utilitarianism Emphasis on Character / Being / Good / Bad

Virtue Theory: Who am I to BE; or Who Am I To Become? : 

Virtue Theory: Falls squarely into value theory, rather than obligation theory We will focus on the key role an ethics of virtue plays in the more general arena called value theory Virtues may be defined as: Characteristics of your personhood The infinite value of persons – Kant’s key insight into the difference between a person and a thing. We agree that people are never a means to an end, which leads to the devaluing of the individual. “Dispositions or traits that are not wholly innate; they must all be acquired, at least in part, by teaching and practice, or, perhaps, by grace” Frankena, p. 63. “Virtues then are habits formed by making satisfactory moral decisions and acting on them.” Feezell and Hancock, p. 164. Virtue Theory: Who am I to BE; or Who Am I To Become?

Virtues Defined : 

Three Types of Virtues (Frankena, p. 64) Trait Egoistic Virtues are most conducive to one’s self Shrewd in Business Efficient Trait Utilitarian Virtues are traits that promote the general good: Helpfulness, Education, Pay my debts, Obey traffic laws Trait Deontological Virtues are good as such, not dependent on their function Be honest, truthful, generous, giving, unselfish, forgiving Virtues Defined

Virtues Defined : 

Virtues are Descriptive Virtues describe people and refer to any of the following: Traits of character Motives Intentions Deeds Dispositions Virtues Defined Distinguishing Moral Virtues from Non-moral Virtues Virtues describe people and refer to any of the following: Traits of character Motives Intentions Deeds Dispositions

Virtue Theory : 

2. Which Comes First, Being or Doing? Frankena’s answer to this question Applying Frankena’s answer to the psychotherapies Virtue Theory 3. The Role of Moral Ideals Gaining a vision of ourselves and living with that vision as we grow and develop Moral ideals pull us along, rather than push us from behind

Frankena’s Ethical Framework : 

Frankena’s Ethical Framework Two Deontic Principles: Beneficence Equal Treatment Two Virtues: Benevolence (a disposition to be beneficial) Justice (a disposition to treat people equally) 3. …the point of acquiring these virtues is not further guidance or instruction; the function of the virtues in an ethics of duty is not to tell us what to do but to ensure that we will do it willingly in whatever situations we may face. In an ethics of virtue, on the other hand, the virtues play a dual role – they must not only move us to do what we do, they must also tell us what to do. (Frankena, p. 67)

Frankena’s Ethical Framework : 

Frankena’s Ethical Framework …Granted all this, however, it still seems to me that, if one’s ideal is truly a moral one, there will be nothing in it that is not covered by the principles of beneficence and justice conceived as principles of what we ought to do. (Frankena, p. 68) 4. First-order cardinal moral virtues: Benevolence Justice First-order noncardinal moral virtues: Honesty Fidelity Second-order virtues: conscientiousness, moral courage, integrity, good-will, a disposition to find out the relevant facts, and a disposition to think clearly (intellectual virtues) Second-order abilities: moral autonomy, ability to make moral decisions, ability to empathize, the ability to revise one’s principles

Frankena’s Ethical Framework : 

Frankena’s Ethical Framework …a man and his actions are morally good if it is at least true that, whatever his actual motives in acting are, his sense of duty or desire to do the right is so strong in him that it would keep him trying to do his duty anyway. (Frankena, p. 70) B. Finding Global Moral Standards or Guidelines See the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, United Nations Another excellent resource is the Foundation for Critical Thinking www.criticalthinking.org Excerpts from their publication on ethical and nonethical behavior are posted under Doc Sharing