Chapter 17 Chapter Summary

Driver observes that in deciding what to do we often consider first how to be. Rather than appealing to abstract moral principles, some hold that this approach to making moral judgments fits more naturally with human experience. On this proposal, commonly traced back to Aristotle, the right action is that which would be performed by the virtuous person. The virtuous person is one who reliably performs the right act in the circumstances for the right reasons. The appropriate act lies between two extremes, as bravery lies between cowardice and foolhardiness. Some claim that people lack the sort of stable character traits that are the core of virtue ethics, and some object that virtue ethics fails to guide action. The merits of the view continue to be debated today.