Under virtue ethics, which aspect is considered more important than the actual action taken?

In virtue ethics, the emphasis is placed on the actor's character rather than the specific actions or the outcomes of those actions. This ethical framework suggests that the moral worth of an act is primarily determined by the virtues of the individual performing it. Virtue ethicists believe that a good person will naturally perform good acts, and therefore, the focus should be on cultivating virtuous traits like honesty, courage, and compassion.

When evaluating ethical behavior, virtue ethics asks us to consider who we are becoming through our actions. A person of good character is expected to make ethical choices that align with their virtues, regardless of the specific plans or consequences of those choices. Thus, an examination of one's character can provide deeper insights into moral reasoning and ethical decisions than an analysis of the actions themselves or their outcomes. This is why the actor's character is deemed more significant in virtue ethics.