5.1 virtue ethics

Aristotle

Aristotle virtue ethics

virtue=a positive characteristic which suggests moral excellence. Eudamonia=a contended state of being happy, healthy and prosperous. Doctrine of the mean=the desired middle way between two extremes. one of deficiency and one of excess.

virtue ethics=doing the right thing. we should work on becoming better people by developing positive character traits called virtues

Aristotle function argument

the unique human function is acting rationally. the human good (flourishing or eudaemonia) to to perform your function well. in order to do so humans should act morally throughout their lives. to do this requires practice, because humans are rational they can distinguish between good and bad and they must do so to achieve the means to and end, flourishing.

intellectual virtue

training yourself and being educated (learning how to play the piano). they’re developed through experience over time, role models and others teach intellectual virtue, people learn them by instruction.

moral virtue

developed by practice and habit. they’re developed by individual character and passion to develop over time. one must continuously practice moral behaviour and eventually it will come naturally

doctrine of the mean

it’s important to find a balance between two extremes and recognising this leads to virtue. one should act in the way between excess and deficiency. morality is about choosing the right way to act with the right degree of love in that circumstance.

developing a moral character (Aristotle)

virtues are states of character, they’re freely chosen and developed by habit. we’re born without character and it develops over time through practice. “it takes many years to develop a good character.”

voluntary and involuntary acts= moral responsibility requires voluntary actions and involves choice. choice is reasoned through how to achieve the end. virtuous person choses to act virtuously.

Aristotle cont (emotions)

the good life=interactions between intellectual virtues, practical wisdom and virtuous actions=a virtuous character. people practice virtues for their own sake to achieve eudaemonia

involvement of emotions are accepted; they can’t drive our choices. it allows perusal pf the mean and rational choice to take pretence over irrational desires. being virtuous with emotions makes you a better person.

moderation and self restraint are developed out of habit.