VIRTUE ETHICS- Aristotles Account Of Virtues And Vices

Question 1

How to we develop positive character traits

Answer 1

When reason guides emotions and desires

Question 2

What is arête

Answer 2

Virtues- they enable us to reach eudaimonia

Question 3

Wha are vices

Answer 3

When reason fails to guide our emotions/desires that enable flawed character traits

Question 4

Is virtue innate

Answer 4

No- humans have the potential to develop virtues but they need to be developed over time but a virtue is more than a habit as it requires reasoning when we act

Question 5

What is the skill analogy

Answer 5

To develop a virtue you need to:

Start by copying others
Practise until its a habit
Learn to apply it in different contexts

Question 6

What must you do to be virtuous

Answer 6

Act in a virtuous way
Act as a virtuous person acts
Be consistent over time even in new or complex situations

Question 7

What has a central place in Aristotles moral theory

Answer 7

Feelings
1) virtue means expressing the the right amount of these feelings, neither too much or too little
2)a virtuous person has no inner conflict; they dont have to overcome their feelings in order to do the right thing

Question 8

What is the doctrine of the mean

Answer 8

The position is displaying ‘too much’ or ‘too little’ of a virtue
E.g. in a dangerous situation natural responses are fear and confidence but displaying too much fear is cowardly and too much confidence is brash.
Reason helps us determine the right amount of a certain virtue
The ‘mean’ is about doing the right thing at the right time

Question 9

What is a criticism of the doctrine of the mean