the function argument

Question 1

the function argument is used to show that eudaimonia is only achieved though our reason

standard form

Answer 1

p1 every type of person has a a distinctive role/ function in society and every part of the body has a distinctive function.
P2 therefore humans’ beings must also have a distinctive function.
P3 our function can’t be growth/ nutrition (shared with plants) or humans. Being guided by reason is distinctive to humans
C1 therefore our function is to live guided by reason.

Question 2

criticism

Answer 2

weak argument from analogy- human body parts and roles in society

fallacy of composition again parts of the body have function- therefore the human must have a function

Question 3

the second part shows to function well and reach eudaimonia we need to develop the right qualities/ virtues

Answer 3

• P4 x is good if it fulfils its function well
• P5 x fulfils its function well if it has the right qualities (virtues)
• P6 therefore a good human is someone with the right qualities (virtues) which enables them to live guided well by reason.
• P7 the good life of a human ie eudaimonia the life of a good human ie someone with virtues enabling them to be guided well by reason.
• C2 therefore eudaimonia is reached by someone with the right virtues which enable them to be guided well by reason.

Question 4

what are virtues ?

Answer 4

Virtues are usually thought of as character traits relating to our emotions or our desires- resulting in disposition such as courage, honestly, generosity etc. but there are intellectual virtues of practical reasoning and of theoretical reasoning.

Question 5

creation of virtues and vices

Answer 5

• When reason guides our emotions and desires then over time, we develop positive disposition or character traits- called virtues (arete) which enable us to reach eudaimonia.
• When reason fails to shape our emotions/ desires we develop flawed character traits- called vices.