Virtue Ethics as a Normative Theory

Virtue Ethics and Christianity

In this course, Dr Ryan Byerly (University of Sheffield) explores virtue ethics, and Christianity. In the first module, we examine virtue ethics as a normative theory. In the second module we analyse the nature and role of the virtues themselves in virtue ethics. In the third module, we look at Aristotle’s account of the virtues, before discussing Jesus’ account of the virtues in the fourth module. In the fifth module we evaluate some of the challenges to virtue ethics. In the sixth and final module, we look at developments in contemporary virtue theory from philosophy, psychology and interdisciplinary practice.

Virtue Ethics as a Normative Theory

In this module, we examine virtue ethics as a normative theory, focusing in particular on (i) contrasting virtue ethics with deontological and consequentialist ethics (ii) the role of virtue in the moral life (iii) the history of virtue ethics in western and eastern philosophy (iv) reasons for the revival of virtue ethics in contemporary thought (v) the difference between virtue theory and virtue ethics.