Virtue Ethics and the Good Life

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lecture on Virtue Ethics, focusing on Aristotle's views on happiness, moral character, and the means to achieve the good life.

Eudaimonia

The Greek term for 'well-being' or 'living well', central to the concept of happiness in virtue ethics.

Telos

The ultimate end, final aim, or purpose which a being seeks to achieve according to its defining characteristics.

Mean

The average between two extremes, a principle in virtue ethics that suggests virtue lies in finding balance.

Virtue

A trait or quality deemed to be morally good, which leads to moral excellence.

Moral Character

The stable and continuing traits of a person that develop through repeated actions over a lifetime.

Reason and Excellence

The capability to apply concepts to understand truth, which is essential for moral development.

Habit

A state of the soul formed by repeated actions that condition individuals to act in certain ways.

Contemplative Life

A way of living that involves properly understanding oneself and one’s world, championed by Aristotle for its pursuit of knowledge.

Cardinal Virtues

Four main virtues that guide ethical behavior: Justice, Benevolence, Integrity, and Moderation.

Moral Exemplar

An ideal figure or role model representing the standards of virtue and moral excellence.