VIRTUE ETHICS- The Function Argument Flashcards
What is the function argument used to show
That eudaimonia is only achieved through exercising our reason
What does the first part of the function argument aim to do
To show that humans have a particular function
What is the first part of the function argument
P1) every type of person has a distinct function in society and every part of the body has a distinct function
P2) therefore humans must also have an distinct function
P3) our function cannot be growth/nutrition as that’s shared with plants or sentience as that’s shared with animals- these aren’t distinctive to humans while being guided by reason is
C) therefore our function is to live guided by reason
Criticisms of the first part
Used a weak argument form analogy to show that humans have a function
May be guilty of using fallacy of composition:’ever part of a human has a function; therefore the whole human must also have a function’
What does the second part of the function argument aim to do
Show that in order to function well and reach eudaimonia we need to develop the right qualities and virtues
What is the second part of the function argument
P4) X is good if it fulfils its function well
P5) X fulfils its function well if it has the right virtues
P6) therefore a good human is someone with the right qualities which enable them to live guided well by reason
P7) the good life of a human = the life of a good human
C2) therefore eudaimonia is reached by someone with the right virtues which enable them to be guided well by reason
What are our virtues determined by
That which defines us as human which Aristotle calls our soul as eudaimonia is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue
What are the non-rational parts of the soul
Growth and nutrition
Desire and emotion
What are the rational parts of the soul
Practical reason
Theoretical reason
What part of the soul are influenced by reason
Desire and emotion
Practical reason
Theoretical reason
