Aristotle in the Anthropocene: The comparative benefits of Aristotelian virtue ethics over Utilitarianism and deontology

In the Anthropocene, humanity faces a pressing question: ‘what should we do?’ Here are interested in underlying sense and reference of normative ‘should’ as it applies to ethics with respect different actors. To excavate ‘should’, unearth foundations three conventional groupings ethical systems: Mill’s utilitarianism, Kantian deontological Aristotelian virtue ethics. Each provides basis for saying what humans do. We draw on specific examples from private sector argue that debates role business dominated by consequentialist accounts which, while essential, entail certain limitations regarding realities this new geological epoch. Identifying comparative benefits enables us develop insights suggestions Anthropocene. identify distinctive features ethics: (i) focus agents rather than acts, (ii) distinction between laws customs versus nature (iii) importance tradition. set out corresponding implications sustainability applied sector.