What sets Aristotelian virtue ethics apart from Kantian or utilitarian ethics?

There are a variety of differences between Aristotelian virtue ethics and Kantian or utilitarian ethics. One main way virtue ethics is distinguished from the latter two, however, is through its wider focus on living well rather than right action. Whereas, for example, Benthamite utilitarianism focuses on whether an action maximises utility, and Kantian deontology focuses on whether an action meets the categorical imperative, Aristotelian virtue ethics is concerned with achieving ‘eudaimonia’, variously translated as happiness or human flourishing. This is not the remitof a single or several actions, but rather the entirety of one’s life. Therefore, Aristotelian virtue ethics distinguishes itself through prioritising an agent’s life rather than whether an act is right or wrong.

Answered by Philosophy tutor

2069 Views

See similar Philosophy A Level tutors

Related Philosophy A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the state of nature?


How should I structure a 25 marker concerning Utilitarianism?


Can logic prove the existence of God?


Outline the problem Nozick's experience machine poses to hedonistic utilitarianism [5 MARKS]


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences