Virtue Ethics
Virtue ethics is a normative ethical theory that emphasizes the role of character and virtues in moral philosophy, focusing on what it means to be a good person rather than on rules or consequences. It originated in ancient Greek philosophy, particularly with Aristotle, and centers on cultivating moral virtues like courage, honesty, and wisdom to achieve eudaimonia (human flourishing). In modern contexts, it is applied in fields such as business ethics, bioethics, and professional conduct to guide ethical decision-making.
Developers should learn virtue ethics to enhance their professional integrity and navigate ethical dilemmas in technology, such as privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, or sustainability issues. It provides a framework for building a strong moral character, which is crucial for roles involving sensitive data, AI development, or leadership, helping teams foster trust and long-term success. By focusing on virtues like honesty and responsibility, it complements rule-based approaches like deontology or outcome-focused ones like utilitarianism in tech ethics.