Philosophy Test (Aristotle)

polymath

a person who has deep knowledge about many subjects

what kind of approach does Aristotle have on ethics

a scientific worldview

What is Eudaimonia

ultimate good in one’s life

what is “good” defined as

that at which all things aim

eudaimonia is not about possessing something but about an …..

activity in accord with human function

what does aristotle believe is human function?

rational contemplation and moral behavior

what is rational function?

our ability to think, solve problems, and make decisions

why does aristotle argue that its wrong to describe children as happy?

because they aren’t at the point where they can reason, therefore not yet achieving human function

what is the relationship of wealth to eudaimonia

you can still achieve eudaimonia if you have wealth, as long as it wasn’t your goal to be rich for rich’s sake

in aristotle’s opinion, why is a rich person happy?

they believe they don’t need rational activity because they percieve their life as successful because of their riches

what does aristotle say is the foundation of morality

human nature

how does aristotle say we gain morality/virtuosity?

through habit and practice

what is pleonexia? who suffers from it?

the greek word for greed, the rich man

what does aristotle say about virtue?

it is a skill that requires intellect and must be practiced

what does telos translate to?

the end or purpose

what is teleology

the study of ends

what is aristotle categorized as?

a virtue ethicist

what is constitutive luck?

the unchosen luck of having the specific personality traits that make you the person you are

what is luck defined as?

anything that happens to you that’s out of your control

who coined the term constitutive luck?

thomas nagel

what does aristotle believe about is different about virtue and the arts?

art can be created by chance, but you cannot be virtuous by chance because it requires the doer to be in a state of thinking and judging virtuousl

what does aristotle say is similar between arts and virtue?

both require practice and fostering of skill

what does techne translate to?

craft, art or skill

what does artistotle emphasize about techne?

maintaining virtue over time

what does continence mean?

considering the wrong thing but doing the right thing

what does incontinence mean?

considering the wrong thing and doing the wrong thing

what does aristotle say about the truly virtuous person?

they will never be conflicted about doing the right thing

what does aristotle say about pleasure

it is one of life’s goods, but some aren’t worth pursuing if it causes pain

what is aristotle’s main concern about your character

the character you build up matters more than the outcome

3 step review of the function argument

1. people seek out values to reach eudaimonia but they are not the end goal

2. humans are unique because they possess rational ability

3. eudaimonia is a lifelong activity

one sentence review of function argument

human function is rational activity, with the end goal being eudaimonia

what does aristotle say about benefiting from his writings?

you must already recognize the value of virtue to benefit from his guidance

is the function argument valid? why?

no, you can reject it by saying fulfilling a unique human ability is the telos of life

what is the doctrine of the mean?

the correct middle path between 2 extremes

according to aristotle, what is moral obligation dependent on?

skill sets and "knowing thyself”

aptness definition

appropriateness, we want our actions to be apt

what are the two types of virtue?

intellectual and moral

how do you acquire intellectual virtue?

through teaching and growth

how do you acquire moral virtue?

through habit and practice

what does aristotle say about observing virtue?

observing is not enough to establish virtuousity

what does aristotle say about vicious people?

they are evil and dissatisfied through habit

what do continence, incontinence, and vice have in common?

they all lack internal harmony

what are the 2 potential objections to aristotle’s beliefs?

the mean can be clear or unclear, and character counts more than the outcome

what are robust traits

consistent actions

what are local traits

exercising virtue within limits depending on the situation.

what is situationism?

people behave differently based on their situations

when does something possess pathos?

if it provokes compassion or pity

what are the 3 models of persuassion/rhetoric?

ethos, logos, pathos

how would someone successfully use all 3 methods of rhetoric?

you trust their reputation/virtues, the logic of their argument, and have a strong emotional influence on you

what is the translation of phronesis

practical wisdom

how do we define practical wisdom?

setting goals based on good character

according to aristotle, how do we achieve our goals?

through phronesis

how do we acheive practical wisdom?

through the knowledge we gain from our lived experience

what are the 3 types of love?

agape, eros, and philia

what is agape love?

unconditional love created despite value

what is eros love?

romantic/sexual love

what is philia love?

friendliness towards family/friends/community

what are the 3 types of friendship?

utility, pleasure, and virtue

what is utility friendship?

surface level friendship, acquaintences (i.e. coworkers)

what is pleasure friendship?

a friendship that disappears when the common pleasure is gone (i.e. volleyball friends)

what does aristotle say about life and friends?

no one would choose to live without friends

what is friendship of virtue? who can’t attain it?

friendships that sustain you, vicious people can’t attain this