Moral: Aristotle virtue ethics 8, evaluation - Copy Flashcards
What is the doctrine of the mean in Aristotle’s virtue ethics?
The doctrine of the mean states that virtues fall between two extremes: a vice of excess and a vice of deficiency.
What role does practical wisdom play in Aristotle’s virtue ethics?
Practical wisdom allows individuals to know what virtue demands and helps in navigating moral situations.
How does Aristotle view virtue?
Aristotle views virtue as a disposition towards the right feelings and actions.
What is eudaimonia in the context of Aristotle’s ethics?
Eudaimonia is the goal of life and ethics, often translated as ‘living well and faring well.’
How does pleasure relate to eudaimonia, according to Aristotle?
Pleasure enhances eudaimonia but is not the ultimate good.
What is the significance of developing virtues through practice?
Virtues are developed through practice, similar to skills, making moral behavior habitual.
What is a criticism of act-centered theories that virtue ethics addresses?
Virtue ethics avoids the problems of act-centered theories by focusing on character rather than specific actions.
True or False: Virtue ethics claims absolute moral obligations.
False.
Fill in the blank: The mean is relative to us and sensitive to ________.
context.
What does Aristotle’s Doctrine of the Mean suggest about moral questions?
It offers no clear right answer as the mean can vary under different circumstances.
What is a potential issue with Aristotle’s response to the application of the mean?
It assumes that individuals will have practical wisdom, which may not be the case initially.
What is the significance of moral wisdom in Aristotle’s ethics?
Moral wisdom builds up over time, allowing individuals to make better moral decisions.
What is a key objection to virtue ethics regarding moral guidance?
Virtue ethics may not provide clear moral guidance in complex situations.
What is the conflict between virtues that Aristotle addresses?
The potential conflict between virtues like justice and mercy.
How does Aristotle propose to resolve conflicts between virtues?
Through practical wisdom, which helps determine what virtue demands in a given situation.
What is the problem of circularity in Aristotle’s virtue ethics?
Virtuous acts are defined by what a virtuous person would do, and vice versa, leading to a lack of clear meaning.
What do defenders of virtue ethics argue regarding the circularity problem?
A virtuous person is defined not just by their actions but by possessing virtues related to eudaimonia.
What is the function argument in Aristotle’s ethics?
It posits that human good (eudaimonia) is achieved by performing our characteristic activity (ergon) well.
Fill in the blank: Virtues of character are dispositions to feel, act, and choose ________.
well.
What is a criticism related to the alignment of individual good and moral good?
The good for the individual does not always align with moral duty, which can require self-sacrifice.
What is Swanton’s objection to the relationship between virtues and individual good?
Virtues do not always align with an individual’s self-interest or contribute to eudaimonia.
What is Annas’ response to Swanton’s objection?
Eudaimonia must be understood in terms of virtues, which promote a flourishing life.
What are the four key objections to virtue ethics?
- Virtue ethics fails to give clear moral guidance
- Conflicts arise between virtues
- Key concepts are defined in terms of one another
- Aristotle is wrong to consider that the moral good and the good for the individual necessarily align
What is the main objection against Aristotle’s view on moral good?
Aristotle is wrong to consider that the moral good and the good for the individual necessarily align.
What does the objection suggest about virtues in relation to individual good?
Virtues do not necessarily promote the individual’s good.
What is the task involving ranking objections?
Rank them from most important to least, with justification.
What should you do after ranking the objections?
Share your thoughts and make any changes if convinced by your partner.
What is the purpose of the essay writing on Virtue Ethics?
To explore and articulate views on Virtue Ethics.
What should you do with the provided essay template?
Look through it and assess your confidence in writing each section.
What should you do if you have questions about the essay sections?
Ask any questions you may have.
What is the first step in completing the essay?
Write your statement of intent.
What is one option for writing the essay if the provided sections are not preferred?
Scrap the sections provided and write an essay from scratch.
When is the completion of the essay due?
Next week’s homework.
