Philosophy Final Exam: Aristotle, Kant, and Mill Key Concepts and Theories

What are the three types of friendship according to Aristotle?

The three types of friendship are friendships of utility, friendships of pleasure, and friendships of virtue, with friendships of virtue being the highest and most fulfilling.

What is Aristotle's overall view on friendship?

Aristotle views friendship as essential for a good life, contributing to personal happiness and virtue, and believes that true friendship is based on mutual respect and the pursuit of the good.

What is the contemplative life according to Aristotle?

The contemplative life is a life dedicated to intellectual pursuits and the pursuit of wisdom, which Aristotle considers the highest form of life leading to eudaimonia (flourishing).

What is eudaimonia?

Eudaimonia is a Greek term often translated as 'flourishing' or 'well-being,' representing the highest human good and the ultimate goal of human life according to Aristotle.

What is the relationship between morality and rationality in Kant's philosophy?

Kant argues that morality is grounded in rationality, asserting that moral principles must be derived from reason and that a good will is essential for moral actions.

What is the Categorical Imperative?

The Categorical Imperative is a central concept in Kant's moral philosophy, stating that one should act only according to that maxim which can be universally applied as a law.

What distinguishes categorical imperatives from hypothetical imperatives?

Categorical imperatives command actions universally and unconditionally, while hypothetical imperatives are conditional and depend on personal desires or goals.

What is Mill's greatest happiness principle?

Mill's greatest happiness principle states that actions are right insofar as they promote happiness and wrong as they produce the opposite of happiness, focusing on the greatest good for the greatest number.

What is 'pig philosophy' in Mill's utilitarianism?

'Pig philosophy' refers to the criticism that utilitarianism reduces human experience to mere pleasure-seeking, neglecting higher pleasures and the qualitative aspects of happiness.

What is the value of virtue in Mill's moral outlook?

Mill argues that virtue is valuable not only for its own sake but also because it contributes to overall happiness and well-being, and that individuals must act as impartial judges when determining utility.

What is the 'is-ought' problem?

The 'is-ought' problem, introduced by David Hume, highlights the difficulty of deriving prescriptive ethical statements ('ought') from descriptive statements about the world ('is').

What is the importance of friendship according to Aristotle?

Friendship is important for personal development, moral support, and achieving eudaimonia, as it fosters virtue and provides a context for ethical living.