Is Benevolence A Virtue?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Benevolence, in the narrow sense, is

a virtue that is primarily grounded in compassion

– i.e. a sensitivity to the sufferings of others and joy in their well-being. On Mencius

Is Benevolent a virtue?

Benevolence, or good will, are terms indicating a charitable disposition to do good in regard to others, and to act with genuinely compassionate and kind considerations of their needs and desires. It is embraced as a

vitally important ethical virtue

in most human societies, religions, philosophies and cultures.

What does the virtue of benevolence mean?

Benevolence, or good will, are terms indicating

a charitable disposition to do good in regard to others

, and to act with genuinely compassionate and kind considerations of their needs and desires. It is embraced as a vitally important ethical virtue in most human societies, religions, philosophies and cultures.

What is benevolence according to Aristotle?

Benevolence is a

mean between giving to people who don’t deserve it and not giving to anyone at all

. Aristotle is not recommending that one should be moderate in all things, since one should at all times exercise the virtues.

What does benevolence mean in philosophy?


General desire for the good of others, and disposition to act so as to further that good

. Moral philosophers may be more or less optimistic about the intensity and scope of such desire, or its general presence in human nature. See altruism, egoism. From: benevolence in The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy »

What is an example of benevolence?

Benevolence is an act of kindness or an inclination to be kind. It’s the quality of someone who volunteers in a soup kitchen, tutors children for free, and helps old ladies cross the street.

Helping your grandmother with her groceries

is an act of benevolence — as long as she doesn’t pay you a dollar per bag.

Why do we need benevolence?

Benevolence

toward others reduces quarrels

, builds trust, and is the best-odds strategy to get good treatment in return. Benevolence within and between nations promotes the rule of law, educates children, feeds the hungry, supports human rights, offers humanitarian aid, and works for peace.

What is a good life according to Aristotle?

According to Aristotle,

happiness

consists in achieving, through the course of a whole lifetime, all the goods — health, wealth, knowledge, friends, etc. — that lead to the perfection of human nature and to the enrichment of human life. This requires us to make choices, some of which may be very difficult.

Which of the following is the highest virtue?


Truth

is the highest virtue, but higher still is truthful living.

What is the highest form of happiness according to Aristotle?

For Aristotle,

eudaimonia

is the highest human good, the only human good that is desirable for its own sake (as an end in itself) rather than for the sake of something else (as a means toward some other end).

What does Maleficence mean?

1a :

the act of committing harm or evil

. b : a harmful or evil act. 2 : the quality or state of being maleficent.

What are the 7 principles of ethics?

  • Non-maleficence. …
  • Beneficence. …
  • Health maximisation. …
  • Efficiency. …
  • Respect for autonomy. …
  • Justice. …
  • Proportionality.

What do you mean by benevolence?

1 :

disposition to do good a king known for his benevolence

. 2a : an act of kindness. b : a generous gift. 3 : a compulsory contribution or tax levied by certain English kings with no other authority than the claim of prerogative (see prerogative sense 1b)

Is benevolence good or bad?

Bottom-line,

benevolence is good for individuals, relationships, nations, and the world as a whole

. The fact that benevolence is often enlightened self-interest makes it no less warm-hearted and virtuous.

Can you be benevolent?

Someone who is “benevolent” genuinely wishes other people well, which is not surprising if you know the word’s history. … There is also one more familiar “velle” descendant – “malevolent,” the antonym of “benevolent,” a word describing one who is disposed to doing ill instead of good.

How can I use benevolence in a sentence?

  • He had a benevolence of manner suited to the philanthropy of his mind. …
  • Gentleness, equanimity and benevolence were native to him. …
  • The chief features of Alembert’s character were benevolence , simplicity and independence.
Amira Khan
Author
Amira Khan
Amira Khan is a philosopher and scholar of religion with a Ph.D. in philosophy and theology. Amira's expertise includes the history of philosophy and religion, ethics, and the philosophy of science. She is passionate about helping readers navigate complex philosophical and religious concepts in a clear and accessible way.