Virtue Ethics and Eudaimonia: Aristotle's Moral Philosophy

What are the two dominant schools of thought in normative ethics?

Utilitarianism and deontology.

What principle does utilitarianism emphasize?

The Greatest Happiness Principle.

Who is associated with the Categorical Imperative in deontology?

Immanuel Kant.

What is the main focus of virtue ethics?

The totality of one's whole life, not just individual actions.

What question does virtue ethics ask instead of 'What's the right thing to do?'

'What's the best way to live a human life?'

Who is the first philosopher to introduce virtue ethics?

Aristotle.

What does Aristotle argue every action aims towards?

Some good.

What are instrumental goods?

Goods pursued for the sake of something else.

What are intrinsic goods?

Goods pursued for their own sake.

What is the chief good according to Aristotle?

Eudaimonia.

How is eudaimonia often translated, and why is this translation debated?

Often translated as happiness, but this fails to capture its deeper meaning as a way of living.

What distinguishes eudaimonia from fleeting happiness?

Eudaimonia is stable and a lasting condition, not a fluctuating feeling.

What does it mean for eudaimonia to be objective?

One can be wrong about their conception of it, unlike subjective happiness.

Why is Kant concerned about happiness as a standard for morality?

Because happiness can mean different things to different people, making morality relative.

What is a key argument against the relativity of happiness?

People can be wrong about what will truly make them happy.

What does eudaimonia imply about human nature?

It is universal and applies to all human beings by virtue of their nature.

What is Aristotle's function argument?

Every thing has a function or purpose, and fulfilling that function defines its goodness.

What is the purpose of a human being according to Aristotle?

To exercise rationality and do distinctly human activities well.

What is individual fulfillment?

Fulfillment determined by personal interests, goals, and desires, varying from person to person.

How can individual fulfillment differ among people?

It can be influenced by genetics, upbringing, education, and social ties.

What are some examples of goods that bring individual fulfillment?

Friends, wealth, and power.

What does human fulfillment manifest?

Individuality and self-expression that are unique to humans.

What is the relationship between rationality and a good human existence?

The exercise of rationality is central to achieving a good human life.

What does Aristotle suggest about the nature of eudaimonia?

It is a lasting condition that encompasses a fulfilling life.

How does virtue ethics differ from utilitarianism and deontology?

It focuses on the character and virtues of the individual rather than just actions.

What is the significance of the term 'eudaimonia' in modern discussions?

It represents a deeper understanding of fulfillment beyond mere happiness.

Why might the translation of eudaimonia as happiness be inadequate?

It overlooks the concept of a stable, fulfilling way of living.

What is a common misconception about happiness in relation to morality?

That it can serve as a universal standard for moral actions.

What is the difference between individual fulfillment and human fulfillment?

Individual fulfillment applies to personal satisfaction, while human fulfillment applies universally to all humans based on shared human nature.

What does eudaimonia mean?

Eudaimonia refers to a good life that combines both human fulfillment and individual fulfillment.

What are virtues according to Aristotle?

Virtues are character traits exercised through reason that help human beings live their lives well.

What are vices?

Vices are character traits that prevent human beings from living their lives well.

What is the key to achieving eudaimonia?

The practice of rationality is key to achieving eudaimonia.

How does Aristotle define rationality?

Rationality refers to our capacity for practical reasoning, both in thinking intelligently about what to do and in acting with emotions that can be intelligently trained.

What is the doctrine of the mean?

The doctrine of the mean is a rule of thumb suggesting that virtue lies between two extremes of excess and deficiency.

Why is the doctrine of the mean context-dependent?

There is no universal standard for what is excessive, deficient, or virtuous since it depends on the particular individual.

Give an example of how context affects the virtue of courage.

Courage may be seen as virtuous for an adult man but could be considered rashness for a young woman.

What are social virtues?

Social virtues, such as kindness, generosity, and justice, are traits that help human beings relate with one another and strengthen communal ties.

Why are social virtues essential for a good human life?

A good human life is social; humans thrive in communities and need to know how to live well with others.

What is phronesis?

Phronesis, or practical wisdom, is the ability to make good judgments about how to act in specific situations.

How does phronesis differ from moral principles?

Phronesis relies on situational judgment rather than fixed moral principles to make moral decisions.

What role do moral exemplars play in virtue acquisition?

Moral exemplars are individuals who exhibit virtuous dispositions and serve as models for developing one's own virtues.

How does one become virtuous according to Aristotle?

One becomes virtuous through practice, social conditioning, and guidance from moral exemplars.

What are the three components of virtue?

The three components of virtue are the intellectual component, the motivational component, and the action itself.

What is the significance of community in virtue development?

Community plays a crucial role in virtue development by rewarding virtuous actions and punishing vices.

What does Aristotle say about moral luck?

Moral luck suggests that many factors influencing whether one is virtuous or vicious are due to one's societal upbringing.

What does Aristotle mean by 'virtue ethics'?

Virtue ethics focuses on developing character traits that become part of one's identity rather than merely performing virtuous acts.

Why is morality considered messy and ambiguous?

Morality is messy and ambiguous because real-life situations often involve unique features that cannot be easily categorized by general principles.

What is the Trolley Problem in relation to utilitarianism?

The Trolley Problem presents a moral dilemma where one must choose between saving multiple lives or a single life, highlighting the complexity of moral decision-making.

How does Aristotle's view of morality differ from utilitarianism and deontology?

Aristotle emphasizes practical wisdom and situational judgment rather than rigid moral principles.

What does the intellectual component of virtue entail?

Knowing what you're doing and understanding that your action is an act of virtue.

What is the motivational component of virtue?

The predisposition to act virtuously when the situation calls for it.

What characterizes a virtuous person's actions?

They act without second thought or hesitation and are reliably virtuous.

What is the difference between a virtuous person and a continent person?

A virtuous person finds performing virtues desirable for their own sake, while a continent person acts generously but dislikes it.

What is akrasia?

Weakness of will; when a person fails to act virtuously despite knowing what is right.

What happens when a person suffers from akrasia?

They may know the virtuous action but fail to perform it due to conflicting desires.

What does eudaimonia mean in the context of virtue?

A state of human fulfillment achieved through living a virtuous life.

How does eudaimonia manifest in youth?

Through the control of passions and desires, aided by good training.

What is the role of practical wisdom in adulthood regarding eudaimonia?

It involves guiding the young towards virtue and participating in civic life.

What is the focus of eudaimonia in the elderly stage?

Achieving eudaimonia through contemplation and studying eternal truths.

What is the problem of the happy immoralist?

It questions whether immoral individuals can be truly happy despite appearing so.

How does Aristotle define happiness?

As a social and holistic aspect influenced by public judgment and reputation.

What is necessary for true happiness according to Aristotle?

Possessing a virtuous character and good reputation.

What is a common but inadequate translation of virtue in Filipino?

"Magandang pag-uugali" which emphasizes outward behavior rather than inner character.

What is a better translation for a virtuous person in Filipino?

"Mabuting tao" which implies possessing good character.

What does it mean for emotions to be aligned with actions in virtue?

A virtuous person genuinely enjoys doing virtuous acts.

What characterizes an incontinent or akratic person?

They know the right action but fail to perform it due to lack of emotional alignment.

What is the significance of social relationships in Aristotle's view of happiness?

Good relationships and a virtuous reputation are essential for true happiness.

What does the term 'vicious' refer to in the context of virtue?

An individual who fails to possess virtue and thus cannot be truly happy.

What is the relationship between virtue and moral norms?

Morality involves not only adherence to norms but also how we regard one another.

How does Aristotle's view of eudaimonia differ from a purely intellectual perspective?

It emphasizes practical engagement and social relationships over mere contemplation.

What is the role of courage in virtuous actions?

A virtuous person acts courageously when danger requires it.

What does it mean to act for the right reason in virtue ethics?

Acting out of a genuine desire to do good rather than obligation or resentment.

How does the architect's example illustrate akrasia?

He knows his work contributes to a good life but chooses social media over his duties.

What is the significance of the table provided in the notes?

It summarizes the status of virtue concerning right reason, emotion, and action.

What is the implication of a criminal appearing happy?

They lack a virtuous reputation, which is necessary for true happiness.

What does Aristotle suggest about the nature of human fulfillment?

It is achieved through the exercise of rationality and virtue across the lifespan.