Moral:Aristotle virtue ethics 2, virtue and the mean Flashcards
What is virtue for Aristotle?
Traits or states of a person that enable them to achieve some good purpose, especially living a morally good life.
Aristotle distinguishes virtues of intellect and virtues of character.
What are the two categories of virtues according to Aristotle?
- Virtues of Intellect
- Virtues of Character
What does Aristotle argue virtues aid in fulfilling?
A thing’s ergon.
What qualities must be in harmony in a fully virtuous person?
- Reason
- Desires
- Feelings
What is a moral virtue?
A disposition relating to how you feel, think, react etc in different situations.
How does Aristotle define moral virtue?
Not a passion or a faculty but a state of character.
What is the doctrine of the mean?
Virtues and virtuous actions lie between two vices of ‘too much’ and ‘too little’.
How does the mean ‘relative to us’ differ from an arithmetical mean?
It is not a single point for all but varies by situation.
What is the role of practical wisdom in Aristotle’s ethics?
Helps us to skillfully judge the right thing to do and grasp why it’s right.
What is required to acquire virtues of character?
Habits formed as we grow up and mature.
How does Aristotle compare acquiring virtues to learning a skill?
We acquire virtues by first doing virtuous acts, similar to learning to play an instrument.
What is the end point of moral development according to Aristotle?
A fully virtuous action that comes from a firm and unchangeable character.
What differentiates virtues from skills according to Julia Annas?
Virtue is essential to the flourishing life, while skills can be opted out of.
Fill in the blank: A moral virtue is a disposition to ______, ______, and ______ ‘well’.
feel, desire, choose
What does Aristotle say about the virtuous person’s feelings?
Their judgment won’t be undermined by excessive feeling.
What is the significance of role models in acquiring virtues?
They provide examples to follow in the development of moral character.
Describe the vicious man according to Aristotle.
Derives pleasure from acting badly.
What characterizes the continent man in Aristotle’s analysis?
Acts correctly but suppresses desires, leading to unhappiness.
What is the virtuous man’s relationship with his actions?
Acts correctly and wants to act correctly, deriving pleasure from acting well.
What is Aristotle’s function argument?
The human good (eudaimonia) is achieved by performing our characteristic activity (ergon) well.
What is the difference between states of character and mental states?
States of character are more stable and long-lasting than mental states.
What is required for a virtuous action to be deemed virtuous?
Doing the right thing for the right reasons and in the right way.
