Applying Aristotle

Question 1

How do we apply Aristotle to unique moral issues?

Answer 1

We must consider differing factors when looking at individual situations:
- Context
- Avoidable vices
- Relevant virtues
- Choices available
- Long-term affects
Then analyse and decide.

Question 2

How would Aristotle respond to the issue of stealing?

Answer 2

• Aristotle claims that there is never a right time to steal. This is because stealing is not a mean, and we deprive from the virtue of justice. Therefore, he has a hardline stance concerning this issue.
  (Evaluation: Does he not believe courage is a virtue? Isn’t showing outrageous courage for a loved one who is sick?)

Question 3

How would a modern ethicist respond to the issue of stealing?

Answer 3

Look at issues such as Robin Hood.
- His intentions are pure, he wishes to ensure justice.
- It must be in the context of an unjust society, which it is.
- Are there other options? - Setting up charities?
- Practical wisdom would be needed to ensure this.
(Issue of habituatins stealing on Robin Hood long-term may erode his character)

Question 4

How does Aristotle respond to the issue of simulated killing?

Answer 4

Aristotle:
- Commented on this, and said it was Cathartic.
- Helps viewers practise the right emotions to feel.
- (This is in a scenario where we are encouraged to feel empathy towards killing, not congratulatory, as in many video games)

Question 5

How does a modern ethicist repsond to the issue of simulated killing?

Answer 5

• Matt McCornick:
  Argues it is problematic.
• ‘Erodes one’s character’
• Butcher’s were not allowed to be jurers in Victorian England, as they were seen as callous towards death.
• This moved someone away from eudaimonia.

Question 6

How does Aristotle respond to the issue of eating animals?

Answer 6

Aristotle says its okay.
- Animals cannot reason.
‘Plants exist for the sake of animals, and animals for the good of humans, our service and our food,’
- Animals are lower than us on the heirarchy of living things.

Question 7

How do modern ethicists respond to the issue of eating animals?

Answer 7

Rosalind Hursthouse claims modeern farmiing practises are cruel and unjust. 15 billion chickens are slaughtered annually.
- It exposes our vice of a defecit of empathy towards other living things.

Question 8

How does Aristotle respond to the issue of telling lies?

Answer 8

Aristotle:
- Hardline stance.
- Lying is never a mean, and therefore we should never do it. ‘Such actions are bad and reprihensible,’
- The mean of ‘truthfulness’ within Aristotle’s writings is concerned with truthfulness bout oneself, therefore the abundence would be arrogance, and the defecit would be meekness.

Question 9

What is a modern Ethicists’ view on the issue of telling lies?

Answer 9

They may have a more liberal approach to telling lies.
- It is undeniable that we flourish if we are honest. However, some situations require us to bend of break the rules of this ‘v-rule’:
- Axeman scenario: Most would undeniably agree thay we should lie to protect our friend.
- It just shouldn’t turn into a habit.