Ross and the Ethics of Virtue

Abstract The chapter examines the compatibility of W. D. Ross’s ethical theory with virtue ethics. While Ross is traditionally viewed as a deontologist, we argue that some aspects of his theory align with virtue ethics. We define key characteristics of virtue ethics, including the centrality of virtue, focus on moral agents, and an anti-theoretical approach, and then assess Ross’s ethics against these criteria. We elaborate on the importance of the category of virtue in Ross’s ethics, his views on moral reasoning, and the role of the moral agent, ultimately arguing for Ross’s significant vicinity to virtue ethics. We also suggest that Ross’s concept of prima facie duties and his moderate deontological approach could be valuable for developing virtue ethics, positing Ross as a bridge between deontological and virtue ethics.