What must the world be like for that theory of virtue to be plausible? Why couldn’t people become virtuous in such a way if the world were different than the author believes, or why wouldn’t people who had become such be considered virtuous in such a different world? (~ 500 words)

The plausibility of a theory of virtue is contingent on the nature of the world it is applied to. For a theory of virtue to be plausible, the world must be one where moral and ethical values are recognized and upheld. It must be a world where actions have consequences, and where individuals are held accountable for their actions. It must be a world where there is a shared understanding of what constitutes virtue, and where individuals strive to embody these virtues in their daily lives.

In such a world, the theory of virtue would be plausible because it would be applicable. It would provide a framework for understanding and evaluating human behavior, and for guiding individuals towards virtuous actions. It would serve as a moral compass, helping individuals navigate the complexities of life and make decisions that align with their values and principles.

However, if the world were different than the author believes, people might not be able to become virtuous in the way the theory suggests. For instance, if the world were one where moral and ethical values were not recognized or upheld, the theory of virtue would lose its relevance. In such a world, individuals might not be held accountable for their actions, and there might not be a shared understanding of what constitutes virtue. As a result, individuals might not strive to embody virtues in their daily lives, and the theory of virtue would not provide a useful framework for understanding and evaluating human behavior.

Similarly, if the world were different than the author believes, people who had become virtuous according to the theory might not be considered virtuous. For instance, if the world were one where different values and principles were upheld, the virtues espoused by the theory might not be valued. In such a world, individuals who embody these virtues might not be recognized or rewarded for their virtuous behavior. Instead, they might be seen as out of touch or misguided, and their virtuous actions might not have the desired impact.

In conclusion, the plausibility of a theory of virtue is deeply intertwined with the nature of the world it is applied to. If the world were different than the author believes, the theory might not be applicable, and individuals might not be able to become virtuous or be recognized as virtuous according to the theory. Therefore, for a theory of virtue to be plausible, it must align with the values and principles of the world it is applied to.