aristotles virtue ethics

Why is Aristotle different from Bentham and Mill?

Instead of being action centred, Aristotle is agent centred

What does eudaimonia mean?

The good life for human beings

What is an Ergon?

An ergon is the function/characteristic objectivity of a thing

What does arête mean?

The property/virtue that enables something to achieve its Ergon

What does Aristotle believe is the unique function of humans?

Reasoning/reason

According to Aristotle, what are virtues?

character traits

What does the doctrine of the mean say about virtues?

That virtues are the intermediate or average between two extremes

What is a vice?

Negative character trait or disposition

What is the skill analogy?

The theory where we are all born with the capacity to acquire virtues

What does phronesis translate to?

It translates to ‘practical wisdom’

Why do we require practical wisdom?

To know what virtue we need according to the specific situation - practical wisdom helps

What does voluntary action mean?

Acting with full knowledge and intention

What does involuntary or non voluntary involuntary action mean?

Being forced to do something you don’t want to do

What does Aristotle say about voluntary action?

That we are only responsible for voluntary action - not for involuntary

What are some problems for virtue ethics?

• no clear guidance

• Circulatory

• Competing virtues