Let’s assume for the sake of argument that a good approach to ethics is to think about it in a manner similar to Aristotle’s, i.e., in terms of ends (or goals) and developing a group of virtues or capacities in yourself necessary for achieving that goal(s). In other words, let’s say that we agree that ethics is about identifying virtues (or forms of excellence) that we would like to incorporate into our characters (our ethos) in order that we can live a certain kind of life (e.g., flourishing, happy, fulfilled, etc.).
1) How would you identify this certain kind of life?
2) What kind of character (ethos) would you need to develop in order to realize this kind of life?
3) What virtues would you need to practice and cultivate in order to have that kind of character (ethos)?
4) Is this an ethics for everyone or is it just for you? Please explain why. (And if it is a ‘personal’ ethics, what kind of ethics do you recommend for everyone else?)