What describes a key characteristic of virtue ethics?

A key characteristic of virtue ethics is that it emphasizes virtues and character in moral evaluation. This ethical framework is centered on the idea that the morality of an action is significantly tied to the character traits and virtues of the individual performing the action. Virtue ethicists believe that developing good character traits, such as honesty, courage, and compassion, leads to moral behavior and a flourishing life.

This perspective contrasts with other ethical theories that prioritize rules or the consequences of actions. For instance, rule-based ethics may focus strictly on adherence to moral laws, while consequentialist theories, like utilitarianism, evaluate actions based on their outcomes. In virtue ethics, the focus is not merely on what one should do in a specific situation but on who one should aspire to be as a person through the cultivation of virtues. This approach encourages individuals to build a moral character that naturally leads to ethical decision-making.