Example Of Essay On Moral Theory Application

Aristotle’s moral theory asserts that right actions are those that a virtuous agent implements. According to him, virtue means that the action is performed excellently by use of practical wisdom. The character of the agent is of paramount importance in analyzing whether an action is truly virtuous or not. This is because it depends highly on the individual’s disposition to act in a certain way when faced with similar circumstances, a character developed through intellectual understanding of virtue.
In view of the situation at hand, the Battlefield general has to find what fits in the mean category. He is on the face of danger considering that his army may be outnumbered and surrounded. This is not yet certain. However, there is information that though the army is immobile it is quickly reinforcing. The questions that should inform his decision include, what is the courageous thing to do in the situation? Would forging an attack be rash? Would retreating show cowardice and fear?
According to Aristotle, it is the intellectual understanding of virtue that helps us perceive what is right. The army general has a moral duty to protect her citizens and her land. Soldiers are expected to show moral virtues of bravery, selflessness and meticulousness. They also abide in to the professional creed that binds them to never accept defeat, to be disciplined and to be the guardian of the people’s freedom. Virtue, therefore, would involve the General making a decision that puts these virtues in consideration while not going overboard as to show excessiveness. The middle ground is, therefore, to attack the adversary army, but also ask for reinforcement in case they are outnumbered as the uncertain information shows.