An Analysis and Application of Virtue Ethics to the Treatment of Animals.
While today we talk of acts being good or bad often in reference to some ethical code or rule, if one were to read Plato or Aristotle one would find them assessing acts on the basis of their promotion of the good in individuals. The ethical theory under which the ancient Greek philosophers operated is now termed "virtue ethics". In order to better understand this complex mode of ethical judgement, this essay will describe in detail what it entails. Then, in order to better appreciate its significance, it will be applied to the question of the ethical treatment of animals in the modern world. Finally, on the basis of the description and application, an evaluation will be made of its value as an ethical theory. 5 pgs. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
