What does Virtue Ethics focus on in ethical decision-making?

Virtue ethics emphasizes the importance of moral character in ethical decision-making. It focuses on the virtues and traits that an individual should cultivate to lead a good life and make ethical decisions. Rather than assessing actions solely based on their consequences or adherence to laws, virtue ethics looks at the character of the person performing the action. A virtuous person is anticipated to make decisions that are morally sound because they possess qualities such as honesty, courage, compassion, and wisdom.

This approach suggests that ethical behavior comes naturally to those who have developed a virtuous character, promoting an understanding of morality that extends beyond actions to include the intentions and motivations behind them. Virtue ethics encourages individuals to consider what kind of person they aspire to be and how their decisions reflect that aspiration, fostering deeper personal accountability in their choices.

In this framework, the emphasis is on developing one's character over time, rather than simply focusing on the legality of actions or seeking approval from external stakeholders, making moral character the central pillar of ethical decision-making.