Virtue Ethics Flashcards
Key Philosopher
Aristotle
Key theory
There are subordinate aims and superior aims.
The superior aim of life is to achieve Eudaemonia
3 types of people
Pleasure seekers
Seekers of honour
Those who love contemplation
Why 3 types needed
Everyone’s views of happiness will differ slightly depending on what type of person they are
Happiness for Aristotle
An activity of the soul, found by the full and correct use of it
Two Parts of the soul
Rational
Irrational
Rational part
Calculative part - weighs up knowledge
Scientific part - holds factual knowledge
Irrational part
Desiderative part - distinguish between needs and wants
Vegetative part - concerned with basic needs that keep us alive
The golden mean
The middle way, the correct way to live
Three types of virtues
Intellectual
Moral
Cardinal
Intellectual Virtues
Techne - technical skill
Sophia - Wisdom
Nous - Intelligence
Moral Virtues
Developed in the irrational part of the soul, e.g. courage
Cardinal Virtues
Most important to develop
Temperance
Justice
Courage
Wisdom
What is essential?
A balance between moral and intellectual virtues
