Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics and Virtue Ethics

Flashcards covering Chapter 1 of Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, including concepts of teleology, virtue ethics, eudaimonia, and exactness in ethics.

Who were the three major ancient Greek philosophers discussed, and what was their teacher-student relationship?

Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle; Aristotle was Plato's student, and Plato was Socrates' student.

Approximately how many years ago were Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle active?

About twenty-four hundred years ago.

What does the term "pre-Socratic" refer to?

Anything in philosophy that comes before Socrates.

After whom was Aristotle's work, the Nicomachean Ethics, named?

It was named after either Aristotle's father or his son, both of whom were named Nicomachus.

Why is the text of Book 1 of the Nicomachean Ethics written in a repetitive manner?

Because Aristotle writes as if he were speaking and arguing with his teacher Plato, thoroughly testing and discarding ideas to cover every base.

What is the name of the specific ethical theory introduced by Aristotle?

Virtue ethics.

What does it mean for Aristotle to be a teleological thinker?

It means he believes that everything in the universe is built to proceed toward a specific good end.

What are the telos of an acorn and a tadpole, according to the text?

The telos of an acorn is an oak tree, and the telos of a tadpole is a frog.

According to Aristotle, what is the ultimate reason or end goal behind every human action?

Happiness.

How did Aristotle define political science in relation to ethics?

Political science for Aristotle is ethics because ethics was practiced in the public sphere (polis), and studying public action was considered science.

Why can ethics not achieve the same degree of exactness as mathematics according to Aristotle?

Because ethical claims hold good usually rather than universally without exception, meaning different situations require different interpretations.

Why did Aristotle state that young people are not suitable subjects for studying ethics?

Because they lack sufficient experience in life.

What is the original Greek word Aristotle uses for happiness, and how is it better translated?

The word is eudaimonia, which is better translated as excellence or human flourishing.

In what sense is eudaimonia universal, and in what sense is it relative?

It is universal because everyone seeks eudaimonia, but it is relative because every individual interprets what brings them eudaimonia differently.

Is eudaimonia a static goal that one reaches and completes, or a continuous process?

It is a lifelong pursuit where individuals constantly work to develop their potential and flourish.