Virtue Ethics vs. Utilitarianism — What's the Difference?

Virtue Ethics and Utilitarianism are both approaches to ethics, but they come from distinct angles. Virtue Ethics emphasizes the moral character and virtues of the individual, suggesting that good actions flow naturally from a good character. Utilitarianism, on the other hand, is less concerned with the character and more with the consequences of actions. It posits that the right action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or pleasure.

In Virtue Ethics, the primary question is "What kind of person should I be?" It centers on cultivating virtues, like courage and wisdom, which are innate qualities that guide moral behavior. Utilitarianism, in contrast, asks, "What should I do?" It operates on a principle of maximizing overall good, often summed up as the "greatest good for the greatest number."

Virtue Ethics believes that moral understanding comes from personal growth and the development of character. It values individual integrity and the nuances of human experience. Utilitarianism, however, is more pragmatic and quantitative. It evaluates actions based on their outcomes and how much happiness or suffering they produce.

For Virtue Ethics, the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by the character traits it manifests. An act is good if it stems from virtues and bad if it arises from vices. Utilitarianism determines the morality of an action by examining its consequences; an action is right if it results in the greatest amount of happiness for the most people.

Virtue Ethics can be seen as more personal, focusing on the inner transformation of the individual. Utilitarianism is more societal, assessing actions by their broad impacts on communities or populations.