Aristotle - Nicomachean Ethics Books VI, X Flashcards
Define the doctrine of the mean
choice to act right in between two extremes, relative balance between absolutes in accordance with what prudence determines
Prudence is _________ (***for this fill in the black, consider the intellectual virtues), or right reasoning, functioning to consider rightly and choose highly from _________ (before choice) in order to execute decisions firmly
practical wisdom, deliberation
Contrast between the intellect and the appetite faculties
Intellect: considering knowledge, opinion, truth and falsehood
Appetite: considering will, choice, good and bad
What is the definition of virtue?
according to Aquinas, virtue is the habit by which a person acts well, or a good operative habit
How many reasons are there for why pleasure cannot be a universal good?
4
Summarize the 1st Argument against pleasure as a universal good
If pleasure is the ultimate good, how can we compound pleasure if it is already penultimate (if sex is pleasurable, and food after is pleasurable, then this creates a more pleasurable state; therefore it isn’t a pinnacle good since it can be added)
“If there are multiple kinds of pleasure, it cannot be an absolute good” is the _________ argument against pleasure
2nd
Summarize the 3rd Argument against pleasure as a universal good
if pleasure is the ultimate good, we would choose pleasure under every circumstance since all humans are in a willing pursuit of the absolute good
The 4th Argument against pleasure is that man chooses _________ things besides _________, such as knowledge
other, pleasure
Pleasures of the _________ are purer than those of the body
intellect
The duration of pleasure is as long as the _________ and the _________ remain the same
agent, object
What is happiness?
happiness isn’t a habit, but an activity that is in pursuit of a fulfilling and purposeful life (i.e. pursuit of knowledge, the pursuit of God)
TRUE OR FALSE: Perfect happiness exists in contemplation
TRUE
- Contemplation is the _________ operation, since _________ is the best element in us
highest, intellect
Is contemplative activity the most continuous activity or is it the most delightful in accordance with virtue?
BOTH
How would you define what wisdom deals with?
It deals with the immaterial and unchangeable objects
The contemplative man is self-_________, loves it for its own sake, and is free of all _________
sufficient, labor
