#3 Virtue Ethics (Aristotle)

Question 1

explain aristotle’s idea on practical wisdom

Answer 1

• he considered ethics to be practical rather than theoretical study
• doing good, rather than knowing how to be good for its own sake

Question 2

what is eudaimonia?

Answer 2

highest aim for all human beings
(excellent human will act virtuously, and by acting virtuously you will achieve it)

Question 3

what is moral virtue?

Answer 3

doing the right thing in the right way, in the right amount toward the right people

Question 4

what are the three conditions to be truly virtuous?

Answer 4

1. done knowingly
2. done voluntary
3. proceed from a firm and unchangeable character

Question 5

what are vices?

Answer 5

bad habits or aiming our actions at the wrong things (they are in our power/control)

Question 6

a moral virtue has been fully actualized when we… (2 things)

Answer 6

1) take pleasure in doing good
2) doing good is effortless

Question 7

what is a moral exemplar?

Answer 7

individuals who possess fully actualized moral virtues

Question 8

what are 4 critics of virtue ethics?

Answer 8

1. moral virtues are vague
2. it takes time to assess the situation
3. aristotle doesn’t consider multiple/intersecting virtues
4. his theory is universalist

Question 9

fill in the blank: moral virtues are the mean’s between ____ and ____.

Answer 9

excess and defect

Question 10

moral virtues involve 2 things (start w a p)

Answer 10

pleasure and pain

Question 11

are virtues and vices relative to one another?

Answer 11

yes

Question 12

what are inherently unvirtuous actions considered as?

Answer 12

murder adultery and theft

Question 13

what are the 9 moral virtues?

Answer 13

1. courage
2. temperance (self-control)
3. generosity
4. confidence (proper self-love)
5. patience / good temper
6. honesty
7. friendliness
8. modesty
9. wittiness