Ética de la virtud: Alcances y límites

Abstract

This paper attempts at a critical presentation of virtue ethics. This trend is expounded as a consequence of the difficulties of the two more influential moral modern theories: Utilitarianism and Kantian ethics. In discussing their contrast, I defend a classification for Act Ethics –for which the primary object of evaluation is constituted by actions—, and Agent Ethics –for which the primary object are moral agents. By discussing virtue ethics (following Alasdair MacIntyre's version), I intend to show the risk that this trend faces of going into an extreme relativism, and I discuss the way in which Martha Nussbaum tries to overcome this problem by appealing at her interpretation of Aristotle.

Keywords

Act Ethics

Agent Ethics

Utilitarianism

Kant

Mill

MacIntyre

Nussbaum

Aristotle

relativism

References

KANT, I (2004) Fundamentación de la metafísica de las costumbres. México: Editorial Porrúa.

MACINTYRE, A (2001) Tras la Virtud. Barcelona: Editorial Crítica.

MILL, J.S. (1994) Utilitarismo. Barcelona: Editorial Altaya.

NUSSBAUM, M. Y SEN, A. (comp.) (1996) La Calidad de Vida. México: Fondo de Cultura Económica.