Aristotle fathered virtue ethics, which has wide spread adoption, historically. The ethical view takes value in either the actions in themselves (Deontology) or the consequences of the act (consequentialism) based upon the character of the individual.
Aristotle fathered virtue ethics, through the golden mean, which has wide spread adoption, historically. The ethical view takes value in the character of the individual based upon acts themselves (Deontology) or the consequences of the act (consequentialism). Aristotle observed, in Nicomachean Ethics, that training is necessary, as with a child, to learn good and evil. Once this division is solid a good person will act instinctually on good behavior based on good intentions. Stumbling is possible, but a good person is good because of the nature in their intentions, not because of solitary actions which may fall out of line with the overall.