An ethical system that bases ethics largely upon one's character and possession of certain valued qualities is?

An ethical system that bases ethics largely upon one's character and possession of certain valued qualities is?

• A. Ethics of care
• B. Ethics of virtue
• C. Ethical formalism
• D. Enlightened egoism

Answer: (B)

This question centers on virtue ethics, which says that what matters for ethics is the kind of person you are and the character you cultivate. In this view, moral worth comes from having and acting from virtuous qualities—honesty, courage, temperance, justice, compassion—rather than merely following rules or aiming for certain outcomes. The character traits are developed through deliberate practice and habit, aiming for flourishing or living well (often called eudaimonia). An action is right to the extent that it reflects a virtuous character and helps nurture that character over time. Ethics of care, by contrast, emphasizes relationships and context in caregiving duties; ethical formalism (Kantian) centers on universal duties and rule-following regardless of character; enlightened egoism focuses on self-interest with some considerations for others. The description in the question aligns best with virtue ethics because it highlights character and virtues as the foundation of ethics.

This question centers on virtue ethics, which says that what matters for ethics is the kind of person you are and the character you cultivate. In this view, moral worth comes from having and acting from virtuous qualities—honesty, courage, temperance, justice, compassion—rather than merely following rules or aiming for certain outcomes. The character traits are developed through deliberate practice and habit, aiming for flourishing or living well (often called eudaimonia). An action is right to the extent that it reflects a virtuous character and helps nurture that character over time.

Ethics of care, by contrast, emphasizes relationships and context in caregiving duties; ethical formalism (Kantian) centers on universal duties and rule-following regardless of character; enlightened egoism focuses on self-interest with some considerations for others. The description in the question aligns best with virtue ethics because it highlights character and virtues as the foundation of ethics.