Ethics and Aristotle - Video Notes Flashcards

A set of question-and-answer flashcards covering non-ethical vs ethical claims, levels in ethics, and core ideas from Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics (Book 1) including eudaimonia, happiness vs. pleasure, and common views of the good life.

What distinguishes non-ethical empirical claims from ethical claims?

Non-ethical claims are empirical and descriptive they are about the natural world; ethical claims are prescriptive about how the world should be and how it affects the wellbeing of others.

What is an analytical claim?

A claim that is true by definition (e.g., 2+2=4).

Give examples of ethical issues mentioned in the notes.

Animal testing, assisted suicide, and abortion.

What are the three levels of ethical analysis?

Meta-ethics, normative ethics, and applied ethics.

What is meta-ethics?

The study of the meanings and justification of ethical terms and statements.

What is normative ethics?

General claims about how we ought to act.

What is applied ethics?

Ethics focused on specific issues or cases.

What is an argument in ethics?

A set of reasons or premises given to support a conclusion.

What question does Aristotle pose in Nicomachean Ethics Book 1?

How should we live our lives?

What kind of theory is Aristotle's ethics?

A form of virtue theory focused on character and the kind of person we are.

What does Aristotle say every action seeks?

Some good; there is always a reason for what you did.

In Aristotle's framework, what is meant by the 'good' or 'end'?

The goal or end at which an action aims; often a means to a higher end.

What is the deeper end beyond immediate goals (e.g., passing a class)?

Graduation; the deeper end is to achieve a lasting good, such as flourishing or eudaimonia.

What is eudaimonia in Aristotle’s ethics?

The ultimate end or happiness/well-being; a life worth living.

How does Aristotle distinguish happiness from pleasure?

Happiness is holistic and long-term; pleasure is momentary and bodily.

Why can’t the good life be equated with bodily pleasure alone?

Because pleasure is not long-lasting and may not engage our fuller nature or lead to a complete life.

Why does Aristotle think ethics and politics are not like mathematics?

Because human life is complex and requires practical wisdom within a social and political context.

What are the three common views of the good life that Aristotle rejects?

The life of pleasure, the life of honor, and the life of wealth.

Why is the life of pleasure insufficient for the good life?

Pleasure is often short-lived, can cause pain, and does not fully engage human potential.

Why might honor be an inadequate sole good for the good life?

Honor is external and unstable, not sufficient for lasting flourishing.

Why might wealth be an inadequate sole good for the good life?

Wealth alone does not ensure flourishing or virtuous character.

What is meant by a 'subordinate end' in Aristotle’s discussion?

An end pursued for the sake of another end (e.g., going to class to get a good grade, to graduate).