Moral: Aristotle-eudaimonia

Question 1

What are virtues?

Answer 1

Traits or states of a person that enable them to achieve some good purpose, especially living a morally good life.

Question 2

According to Aristotle, what do virtues align with?

Answer 2

Reason.

Question 3

What distinguishes virtues in Aristotle’s philosophy?

Answer 3

Virtues of intellect and virtues of character.

Question 4

Give an example of an act-centred ethical theory.

Answer 4

Utilitarianism, Kantian ethics.

Question 5

What does an agent-centred ethical theory focus on?

Answer 5

The sort of person we should aspire to be.

Question 6

What is the flaw in modern moral philosophy according to Anscombe?

Answer 6

It does not assume the existence of God while retaining the idea of absolute moral obligation.

Question 7

What does virtue ethics assert about moral action?

Answer 7

We ‘ought’ to act morally in a hypothetical sense if we want to live a flourishing/fulfilled life.

Question 8

What is a final end?

Answer 8

An end that we desire for its own sake, not just for some further purpose.

Question 9

What is eudaimonia?

Answer 9

Often translated as ‘happiness’, but better understood as ‘living well and faring well’.

Question 10

How does Aristotle define the good for human beings?

Answer 10

The purpose for which we do things, the point of doing them.

Question 11

What constitutes a final end according to Aristotle?

Answer 11

Something we seek for its own sake, and for whose sake we seek other things.

Question 12

What is the difference between eudaimonia and other final ends like pleasure or wealth?

Answer 12

Eudaimonia is sought for its own sake, while pleasure and wealth are means to an end.

Question 13

What does Aristotle mean by ‘self-sufficient’ in relation to eudaimonia?

Answer 13

By itself, it makes life desirable and lacking in nothing.

Question 14

What is the characteristic activity (ergon) of humans according to Aristotle?

Answer 14

Rational activity.

Question 15

What is arête?

Answer 15

An excellence or virtue that aids the fulfilment of a thing’s ergon.

Question 16

What is the function argument?

Answer 16

Aristotle’s argument that the human good (eudaimonia) will be achieved by performing our characteristic activity well.

Question 17

What is required to fulfill your function properly according to Aristotle?

Answer 17

Virtue.

Question 18

What is the relationship between eudaimonia and a complete life?

Answer 18

Eudaimonia consists of the rational activity of the soul in accordance with virtue(s) in a complete life.

Question 19

What does Aristotle suggest about the virtues?

Answer 19

Not just having them, but exercising them is important.

Question 20

What is a constitutive means?

Answer 20

A means that actually forms part of the goal.

Question 21

What does Aristotle say about the definitive judgment of eudaimonia?

Answer 21

It cannot be made before death.

Question 22

What are the three types of good according to Aristotle?

Answer 22

• Goods of the mind (e.g., intelligence, courage)
• Goods of the body (e.g., strength, health)
• External goods (e.g., wealth, food)

Question 23

What is the significance of pleasure in relation to virtue according to Aristotle?

Answer 23

Pleasure is part of the virtuous life; a virtuous person takes pleasure in living virtuously.

Question 24

True or False: Eudaimonia is subjective and varies from person to person.

Answer 24

False.

Question 25

Fill in the blank: Eudaimonia is not a _________ state.

Answer 25

psychological.

Question 26

What is Aristotle's view of eudaimonia?

Answer 26

Eudaimonia is viewed as the human good, often translated as 'doing well and faring well'. ## Footnote Eudaimonia is considered the ultimate goal that individuals seek for its own sake.

Question 27

What does the term 'eudaimonia' mean?

Answer 27

'Doing well and faring well'. ## Footnote It signifies a state of flourishing or living well.

Question 28

Is eudaimonia considered a more plausible goal than happiness in the hedonistic sense?

Answer 28

Yes, it is argued to be a more plausible goal than hedonistic happiness. ## Footnote This is because eudaimonia encompasses a broader understanding of well-being.

Question 29

What is the function argument in Aristotle's ethics?

Answer 29

The function argument posits that eudaimonia is determined by our characteristic activity or function. ## Footnote This argument is central to understanding how eudaimonia relates to human purpose.

Question 30

What key concept is associated with the term 'arête'?

Answer 30

Virtue or excellence. ## Footnote Arête is essential in achieving eudaimonia.

Question 31

What does 'ergon' refer to in Aristotle's philosophy?

Answer 31

The characteristic activity or function of a being. ## Footnote Understanding ergon is crucial for discussing eudaimonia.

Question 32

What is the significance of rational activity in Aristotle's view of eudaimonia?

Answer 32

Rational activity is considered the highest form of human function, important for achieving eudaimonia. ## Footnote It highlights the role of reason in human flourishing.

Question 33

Fill in the blank: Eudaimonia is often translated as 'doing well and faring well', and is considered the _______ we seek for its own sake.

Answer 33

one thing

Question 34

True or False: The function argument is universally accepted without any weaknesses.

Answer 34

False ## Footnote There are debates about the validity and implications of the function argument.

Question 35

What are the key terms associated with Aristotle's ethical framework?

Answer 35

* Virtue ethics * The good * Eudaimonia * End (telos) * Final end * Arête * Ergon * The Function argument * Rational activity ## Footnote These terms are fundamental to understanding Aristotle's ethical philosophy.

Question 36

How important is the function argument to Aristotle's account of eudaimonia?

Answer 36

It is crucial, but its weaknesses may challenge or somewhat weaken the account. ## Footnote Some critiques suggest that the function argument does not fully capture the complexity of eudaimonia.