Virtue ethics asks not what I should do but what kind of person I should be. It focuses on character, rather than rules or consequences. The approach has roots in Aristotle, who argued that the good life is one of virtuous activity, guided by practical wisdom. It also has roots in Confucianism, which emphasizes moral cultivation and social harmony. Virtue ethics was revived in the 20th century by Elizabeth Anscombe, who argued that modern moral philosophy had lost its footing by focusing on rules and consequences. Philippa Foot, Alasdair MacIntyre, and Martha Nussbaum developed the approach in different directions.

Virtue ethics does not ignore actions. It asks what a virtuous person would do. A virtuous person is honest, courageous, just, and temperate. These traits are acquired through habit and practice. Virtue ethics emphasizes moral education, role models, and the development of practical wisdom. It has been applied to medicine, where the virtues of a good doctor include compassion, integrity, and competence. It has been applied to business, where virtues like honesty and fairness matter. Critics argue that virtue ethics is vague and does not resolve dilemmas. Defenders reply that it provides a richer and more realistic account of moral life. Virtue ethics is not a set of rules. It is a way of living.

Key virtue ethicists

• Aristotle. Virtue as a mean, practical wisdom, eudaimonia.
• Confucius. Moral cultivation, ren, li, and social harmony.
• Anscombe. Revived virtue ethics in the 20th century.
• Foot. Virtues and vices, natural goodness.
• MacIntyre. Virtue, tradition, and narrative unity.

Virtue ethics is not the same as deontology or utilitarianism. Deontology focuses on rules. Utilitarianism focuses on consequences. Virtue ethics focuses on character.