Virtue Ethics

Question 1

Eudaimonia as the final end

Answer 1

The final end for humans is eudaimonia which Annas describes as flourishing. An end must be soemthing we desire for its own sake.

Question 2

Eudaimonia and hapoiness difference

Answer 2

It means ‘possesing of good spirit’, cannit be changed with emotion and can be judged by others, whereas happiness is subjective.

Question 3

Relationship between eudaimonia and pleasure

Answer 3

Pleasure is a part of good but is not ultimate good as it can be improved with other goods. Animals experience pleasure so it isnt unique to humans, you can get pleasure from immoral acrs

Question 4

Function argument

Answer 4

Being able to live a life guided by reason is a human function as rationality is distinct to humans. A human is good if they perform their function well

Question 5

How virtues link to a function

Answer 5

They are characteristics that help someone filfill their function and therefore reach eudaimonia

Question 6

Doctrine of the mean

Answer 6

Moral people need to find the mean between vices - excess and deficiency. To find the appropriate action and emotion.

Question 7

Annas’ definition of virtues

Answer 7

A state of disposition of soemone to act for reasons

Question 8

Importance of feelings

Answer 8

Aristotle believes that being virtuous includes knowing approprriate feelings along with actions.

Question 9

Issues including:

Are all virtue really inbetween vices?

Answer 9

Courage may not be the mean between rashness and cwwardice, cowardice may be the opposite of courage rather.

Question 10

Issues including:

Are all vices we identify always vices?

Answer 10

Modesty can be seen as a virtue, it can help someone feel better. Response could be thst virtues can be relative, but this is very vague.

Question 11

Issue including:

Clashing/competing duties

Answer 11

Solution:
1) Clashes dont exist, a virtuous person must know what to do
2) Heirarcy of values, but it means we have a duty to prioritise.
3) No resolution, moral chaacter is developed by this trial and error.

Question 12

Role of eductation in developing moral character

Answer 12

We cant instantly choose to virtuous, we arent naturally vituous either. To become virtuous we must make it a habit, through practice.

Question 13

The skill analogy

Answer 13

Learning to be virtuou is like learning a skill, you must prractice so it becomes a habit.

Question 14

Issues including:

Must a trait contribute to eudaimonia to be a virtue

Answer 14

A medic who gets sick may contribute to other good ends but not the individuals flourishing.

Question 15

Issue including:

Relationship between the individual and the moral good

Answer 15

Russel argues that virtues only impact individuals, and not the public good. We may be uncomfortable around somekne with these issues

Question 16

Voluntary actions

Answer 16

You can only be responsible for voluntary actions. They are done of our own accord (intention) and we must have knowledge of whst we ae doing. This includes actions done by desire and emotions as its a part of being vituous to have appropriate actions

Question 17

involuntary actions

Answer 17

Lacks either intention or knowledge so is either externally forced or ignorant to the effects.

Question 18

Non-voluntary

Answer 18

An involuntary action done through ignorancr, if you are not pained or seeking repentance, then you are responsible.

Question 19

Practical wisdom

Answer 19

is able to think and deliberate about what is good for them - knows how to reach eudaimonia.

Question 20

Issue including:

Does V.E give sufficient clear knowledge on how to act?

Answer 20

Someone with practical wisdom knows how to act, but pw is developed overa lifetime, so not everyone will be equally skilled.

Question 21

Circularity