Virtue Ethics

Question 1

Why is Aristotle’s ethical system character based?

Answer 1

Life is too complex so the best that can be done is to offer rough guidance on how to live

Question 2

What is Aristotle’s idea about functions?

Answer 2

Every object has a certain function

Question 3

What is our ultimate good?

Answer 3

To exercise our rational capacities in the pursuit of eudaimonia

Question 4

What does eudaimonia mean?

Answer 4

Greek word meaning ‘highest good’

Human flourishing

Question 5

How can eudaimonia be achieved?

Answer 5

Develop a virtuous character

Question 6

How are moral virtues like generosity cultivated?

Answer 6

By habit

Question 7

How are intellectual virtues like intuition developed?

Answer 7

Through instruction

Question 8

How can a virtue be established?

Answer 8

Find the golden mean between two vices (excess of deficiency of a virtue)
‘Virtue is a mean’- Aristotle

Question 9

How is the golden mean worked out?

Answer 9

Using phronesis (practical wisdom)

Question 10

What does nicomachean ethics describe?

Answer 10

The virtues and vices that make up the moral character

Question 11

What does Aristotle say about the polis?

Answer 11

The polis should collectively aim to live virtuously

‘The best life, both for individuals and states, is the life of virtue’

Question 12

Is being virtuous intrinsically or instrumentally good?

Answer 12

Intrinsically

Question 13

What are the differing concepts of the good life?

Answer 13

Those who love pleasure (most people)
Those who love honour (politicians)
Those who love contemplation (philosophers)

Question 14

What does Anthony kenny say about habit?

Answer 14

Virtues are ‘acquired by practice and lost by disuse’

Question 15

How does james F. Keenan summarise virtue ethics?

Answer 15

Who am I?
Who ought I to become?
How do I get there?

Question 16

What does Aristotle say about some actions always being wrong?

Answer 16

‘Not every action or feeling admits of the mean’

Question 17

What does Rosalind hursthouse say is positive about virtue ethics?

Answer 17

It places emphasises on individual development, relationships and happiness

Question 18

What is positive about virtue ethics regarding cultures?

Answer 18

It acknowledges cultural diversity

Question 19

What does William Frankena say is negative about virtue ethics?

Answer 19

‘Virtues without principles are blind’

How do you know what habits are genuine virtues?

Question 20

What does Mackie say is negative about virtue ethics?

Answer 20

It is ‘too circular to be very helpful’

Doesn’t provide guidance on how to resolve an ethical dilemma

Question 21

What is negative about the idea of cultivating virtues?

Answer 21

We can’t cultivate virtues

Some people are naturally moral

Question 22

What does Russell say is negative about virtue ethics?

Answer 22

May be beneficial to show extremes

The mediocrity that the golden mean exhibits is focused on restraint and calculation

Question 23

What does Louis pojman say is negative about virtue ethics?

Answer 23

What happens when virtues conflict? E.g. honesty and loyalty

Question 24

Elizabeth Anscombe

Answer 24

Initiated the modern revival of virtue theory
She said the idea of ethics defined as some legalistic principles needs to be changed
We should think about the idea of a virtue and human flourishing referring back to Plato and Aristotle

Question 25

MacIntyre

Answer 25

Modern ethics put too much emphasis on reason and not enough stress on people, their characters and context
Society depends on virtuous people
3 most important virtues are justice, courage, honesty