Aristotle Ethics Flashcards
What kind of a theory is Aristotles account of ethics?
A virtue/character based theory of normative ethics
What is eudaemonia?
Eudaemonia is the act of flourishing. All other activities are done with the sake of eudaemonia. It is not the same as feelings of happiness.
What is Aristotles function argument?
The function of humans is whatever humans can do that non humans cannot. Aristotle then gives examples of what seperate’s humans from non humans. Humans can grow and reproduce, but so can plants and animals. Humans can move and perceive, but so can non human animals. Only humans can reason. Therefore, using reason is the function of a human. A good X is a thing that accomplishes its function well. Therefore, a good human is a human that uses reason well. Virtues are qualities of something that allow it to fulfil its function well. Therefore, in order to flourish, we need particular virtues.
What is Aristotles argument for virtues being character traits?
Virtues are part of the soul, and so are either a passion, faculty or trait of character.
- Virtues can’t be passions because not having a passion doesn’t make you a good/ bad person, but not having certain virtues does. We also don’t choose our passions, but we do choose are virtues.
- Virtues are not faculties as we do not acquire faculties, but we have to acquire virtues.
- Therefore, virtues are states of character.
What is Aristotles doctrine of the mean?
To be virtuous is to feel and do the right thing at the right time. Each virtue is the mean between vices. It involves a vice of excess and a vice of deficiency. However the virtie isn’t like the mathematical mean as the mean doctrine of the mean will change for each person.
What is the role of education/habituation in Aristotelian ethics?
We are not innately virtuous, and so have to acquire virtues by practising them(habituation).
- Habituation is not enough. To act virtuously you need to also reflect on your actions. It can help if you are educated morally as you grow up. Good role models can act as exemplars you can follow. Becoming virtuous is like acquiring a skill.
What is the role of practical wisdom within virtues?
Practical wisdom is what we use to make choices in the world. It requires:
- General knowledge of good,
- how to achieve that good,
- reasoning skills and willpower.
Practical wisdom cannot be captured in a set of rules as it is context based. It cannot be taught as it is experienced based.For an action to be fully virtuous, you need practical wisdom.
Explain voluntary, non voluntary and involuntary actions
- Voluntary: 2 conditions: The control condition( the action is intentionally made by the agent.) and the epistemic condition( the agent must be aware of the non moral facts.
- Involuntary:It is not voluntary as it fails to meet two conditions. If the act is done under compulsion(control condition), or if the act is done under ignorance and regretted. (epistemic condition).
- Non-Voluntary: Is an involuntary act, but without the regret.
