Exploring Virtue, Ethics, and Moral Absolutes: A Personal Reflection

Introduction Throughout this unit my second Reflection, I have been challenged and enriched by exploring different ethical theories and applying them to real-life moral situations. Before taking this course, I often thought of right and wrong in simple terms, but reading Ethics: Theory and Practice by Thiroux and Krasemann (2014) helped me see that ethics involves deep reflection, reasoning, and understanding human nature. The discussions we have had in class and the readings have strengthened my moral reasoning and encouraged me to think about why people act the way they do. This reflection highlights the ways I have grown by examining key ethical concepts such as VIRTUE, MORAL ABSOLUTES, UTILITARIANISM, the VALUE OF LIFE PRINCIPLE, and REHABILITATION. Learning About Virtue and Moral Character One of the most meaningful lessons for me was learning about VIRTUE and Aristotle’s belief that moral character is something developed through habit and deliberate choice rather than something people are born with. According to Thiroux (2014), virtue is practiced and strengthened over time, much like a skill. This idea resonated with me deeply because I have seen how people, including myself, grow morally through life experiences, education, and reflection. I used to think that some people were just “naturally good,” but now I understand that goodness is