Virtue Ethics part 3: An Evaluation of the Greek Philosophers’ Ethical Theories

courage, moderation, justice, piety

Ancient virtues include _______________________________

Ancient virtues

____________ include courage, moderation, justice, and piety.

Virtue

___________ is a settled disposition to act in certain ways, with justice as an example of ensuring each person receives their due.

How can I live well?

The central question is "____________________" or "How can I flourish and live a happy life?"

How can I flourish and live a happy life?

The central question is "How can I live well?" or "_________________________"

Happiness

____________ involves possessing good things, which may include experiences and activities.

Practical Intelligence or Wisdom

____________________ is key to living well, helping to guide and achieve one's goals.

Wisdom

It is considered unconditionally good, unlike other goods that can be misused.

Virtue

_______________, including practical intelligence, is crucial for living well and achieving happiness.

Wisdom and Virtue

_____________ are necessary for happiness, with some philosophers arguing they are sufficient.

Socrates

He argued that wisdom is both necessary and sufficient for happiness.

Socrates

He believed that moral action is a result of desiring to do good, and wrongdoing stems from ignorance..

Plato

He said that, Happiness is the possession and correct use of goods.

Plato

He said that, Wisdom is the highest good and essential for living well.

Aristotle

He said that, Happiness is a full life of excellent rational activity.

Aristotle

He said that, External goods like health, wealth, and good looks also contribute to happiness, alongside rational activity.

Thomas Aquinas

______________, also called the "Angelic Doctor" and the "Prince of Scholastics", is an Italian philosopher and theologian who ranks among the most important thinkers of the medieval period.

Angelic Doctor, Prince of Scholastics

Thomas Aquinas is also called ___________________ and __________________

Thomas Aquinas

According to him, ultimate happiness is not attainable in this life, for happiness in the present life remains imperfect. True happiness, then, is to be found only in the souls of the blessed in heaven or in beatitude with God.

Ultimate happiness

According to Thomas Aquinas, ______________ is not attainable in this life, for happiness in the present life remains imperfect. True happiness, then, is to be found only in the souls of the blessed in heaven or in beatitude with God.

imperfect

According to Thomas Aquinas, ultimate happiness is not attainable in this life, for happiness in the present life remains ____________. True happiness, then, is to be found only in the souls of the blessed in heaven or in beatitude with God.

Law

__________ is the ordinance of reason for the common good, and there are four primary types these are Eternal Law, Natural Law, Human Law, Divine Law

Eternal Law, Natural Law, Human Law, Divine Law

What are the 4 primary types of Law according to Thomas Aquinas?

Eternal Law

It refers to the rational plan of God by which all creation is ordered.

Natural Law

It is the aspect of the eternal law which is accessible to human reason.

Human Law

It refers to the positive laws.

Divine Law

It serves to complement the other types of law, and it is a law of revelation disclosed through sacred text or Scriptures and the Church towards man's eternal end

Human Actions

Aquinas evaluates_________________ based on how they conform to natural law and their specific features. He identifies three aspects that determine the morality of an act: Species, Accidents, End

Species

This refers to the type or object of the action. For an action to be moral, it must be inherently good or at least not bad.

Accidents

These are the circumstances surrounding the action.

End

This is the intention behind the action. A good intention cannot justify a bad act, and an act can be immoral if its intention is unjust.

Aquinas' View on Actions and Ends

All actions are directed towards ends, with happiness as the final goal.

Happiness is achieved through activities that align with virtue.

All actions are directed towards ends

____________________, with happiness as the final goal.

Happiness

It is achieved through activities that align with virtue.

Virtue

According to Thomas Aquinas, _________ is a "good habit bearing on activity" and is a firm disposition that guides actions.

good habit bearing on activity

According to Thomas Aquinas, Virtue is a "_________________" and is a firm disposition that guides actions.

Moral character

___________, developed through habitual choices, is essential for attaining true happiness.

Moral Virtues, Theological Virtues

What are the Types of Infused Virtues According to Thomas Aquinas?

Moral Virtues

Focus on actions not directly related to God but are essential for moral living.

Theological Virtues

Directly concerned with God, providing true knowledge and desire for Him.

Nature of the Act, Interior Act of Will, Consequences, External Bodily Act

What are the Dimensions of Morality according to Thomas Aquinas?

Thomistic Ethics

It is complex and doesn't fit neatly into modern categories of moral theories.

Thomistic Ethics

It focuses more on the intention and duty behind actions rather than the results, making it more similar to deontological (duty-based) ethics like Kant's, rather than utilitarianism, which focuses on the outcomes.