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
