aristotles virtye ethics Flashcards
(22 cards)
what is virtue Ethics
the normative ethical theory that starts from the question of what it is to be a good person, than derives an account of a morally right action as what a good person would do (agent-centered theory). Aristotle argues that a good person has virtues ( a positive character trait), which enables them to achieve eudaimonia ( the final end)
define good in ethics
what is good provides a standard we should aim at in our actions and ourl lives
what is an end
what an action seeks to achieve ( its aim or purpose)
a final end : an end that we desire fro its own sake, we cant give some further purpose fro why we seek it
Define eudaimonia
Often translated as “happiness” but better understood as “living well and fairing well”.According to Aristotle, eudaimonia is not subjective and is not a psychological state but an objective quality of someone’s life as a whole. It is the final end for human beings. Eudaimonia is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtues
explain Aristotles objection to hedonitoc views of pleasure
if all we seek is pleasure, then we be simply pleasure-seeking animals. there are some things we aim for, such as being virtuous, which do not always lead to pleasure. Also, pleasure does not meet the criteria above. However, Aristotle does not argue that good isn’t a part of a good life, just that it’s not “ the only” good
define ergon
a function or characteristic activity of something. the ergon of a knife is to cut
define arete
an excellence or virtue- a quality that aids teh fullfillness of a things ergo
explain the function arguement
Aristotle’s argument that the human good ( eudaimonia) will be achieved by performing our characteristic activity ( ergon) well. traits that enable us to fulfill our ergon which is rational activity ( deciding on and doing things fro a raeson), are virtues ( arete)
outline the function arguments first hald wher Aristotle aims to show that humans have a particular function
P1. Every type of person has a distinctive role and function in society (and every part of our body has a role)
C1. Therefore, human beings must also have a distinctive function
P3. Our function cannot be growth or sentience as those are shared with animals and plants, and so would not be distinctive to humans. being guided by reason is distinctive to humans
C2. therefore our function is to live guided by reason
outline the second half of Aristotle’s function argument and what it aims to show
Aims to show that in order to function well( and reach eudaimonia) we must develop virtues
P1. X is good if it fulfills a function well
P2. X fulfills a function well if it has the right qualities ( virtues)
C1. therefore, a good human is someone with the right qualities that enable us to live guided by reason
P3. The good life of a human
C2. therefore, eudaimonia is reached by someone with the right virtues, which enables them to preform their ergon of reasoning
Define a virtue
traits of a person which enables them to achieve some good purpose ( living a morally good life) Aristotle argues that traits are in accordance with reason and distinguishes virtues of intellect and virtues of character
define what a choice is in Aristotles virtue ethics
What we decide upon as a result of deliberation, typically giving rise to voluntary action. Deliberate desire regarding something that is in one’s power
Define Aristotle doctrine of the mean
Aristotle’s claim that virtue requires us to feel, choose and act in an ‘intermediate’ way, neither ‘too much’ nor ‘too little’, but ‘to feel [passions] at the right times, with reference to the right objects, towards the right people, with the right motive, and in the right way’.
Give Aristotles definition of an involuntary action
According to Aristotle, an act is involuntary if it is either forced or done from ignorance that is not culpable (especially if it is regretted once the ignorance is removed).
Give Aristotles definition of justice
The principle that each person receives their ‘due’. Aristotle distinguishes between wide and narrow senses. In the wide sense, anything legal is just, and anything illegal is unjust. In the narrow sense, justice is fairness.
Give Aristotles definition of an non-voluntary action
According to Aristotle, an action is non-voluntary if it is done from ignorance and if the ignorance is lifted, the agent does not regret the action.
Give Aristotle’s definition of practical reasoning
Reasons and reasoning concerned with what we can change and making good choices.
Give Aristotle’s definition of practical wisdom
(phronesis) An intellectual virtue of practical reason, ‘a true and reasoned state or capacity to act with regard to the things that are good or bad for man’ (Aristotle). It involves knowledge of what is good or bad in general and what is good in a particular situation, and the abilities to deliberate well and act on that deliberation.
Give Aristotle’s definition of a voluntary action
According to Aristotle, we act voluntarily when we act as we choose. We know what we are doing, and we bring it about ourselves.
Give Aristotle’s skill analogy
The analogy between virtues and practical skills. In Aristotle, virtues are said to be like practical skills because we learn both through practice (what we do), not (just) theory; and we gain an expertise that is sensitive to individual situations.
explain Aristotles concpet of the voluntary and its significance in his philosophy
- In a voluntary action, the agent acts as they will. they know what they are doing and bring about the action themselves without any force
- This is in contrast to an involuntary action which are caused by force, ignorance and is regretted
-Eg. stepping on someone’s foot deliberately vs tripping - The voluntary is a significant notion for Aristotle because we are only morally responsible for what is voluntary. WE cannot be praised or blamed for actions caused by an outside force or lack of knowledge.
-Moral philosophy is concerned with actions for which we can be held responsible - Also crucial concepts in virtue ethics, like practical wisdom, are concerned with choice. Virtues are formed by repeated good choices and are needed for us to choose well
