Aristotle's Focus on Virtue and the Best Approach on Ethical Dilemmas

Ethical Dilemmas
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Ethical Dilemmas
Ethical dilemmas are some factors that make it challenging for people to make decisions, especially in the workplace. The 21st-century ethical dilemmas are varied and complex due to globalization, rapidly evolving technologies, and the increasing complexity of society. Various ethical principles provide the most effective approach to twenty-first-century ethical dilemmas. The paper will focus on how Aristotle's focus on virtue provides the best approach to these dilemmas.
According to Aristotle, virtue is the central organizing principle of life and the greater good. The essence of virtue is to act concerning a worthy object in a way that is good for the object. It can be taken as the starting point to investigate how one should respond in such situations. When approaching these complex ethical dilemmas, Aristotle outlines whether it is possible to discern what might be right or wrong through an objective means of measuring behavior. According to Aristotle, it is possible to understand these ethical dilemmas through the concept of virtue. Virtue is a complex concept that Aristotle describes as being different than the often-exercised skill (Dennis & Harrison, 2021). Arguably, virtue is the most important aspect of any decision-making process. Every act is done in a certain way to qualify as virtuous, which is determined by its ultimate end. However, if the unethical act is not done contrary to one's principles, and does not harm others, then it neither constitutes an error of character nor an action. Aristotle presents this idea as pointing away from virtue and toward the avoidance of vice.
It may seem that Aristotle's approach to ethics does not apply to a twenty-first-century ethical dilemma. However, virtue ethics can be summed up as acting on a desire for an end that is good and aiming to bring about the greatest good for oneself and others. This approach to these ethical dilemmas is applicable and provides a solution to some of the most complex ethical dilemmas that are occurring in society. For example, one approach to these dilemmas would be to consider the purpose of an individual's actions. If the act is for an end that is worthy and does not harm others, it does not represent a conflict of interest and is morally justified. In this case, the act of deception could be considered unethical (Dennis & Harrison, 2021). In addition, if a conflict of interest has arisen through deception or manipulation, there is reason to believe that the individual should be held accountable for their decision. However, Aristotle's approach allows one to determine what action might be virtuous by assessing their ethical decision-making process.
In today's society, it is common for employees to have ethical dilemmas arise in their workplace. To provide a more helpful solution to these problems, Aristotle would suggest that they make decisions based on which ethical principles apply to the situation. In light of this idea, Aristotle would suggest that one first assess the moral principle. If one is held accountable for their decision, one should also be responsible for the consequences of such deci...