Potential vs Actual: Humans possess moral potential that can be realized.
Example from Aristotle: An acorn can potentially become an oak tree but must be planted to actualize its potential.
Moral potential in humans can go unmet if not cultivated properly.
Aristotle's Views on Morality:
Humans can be moral through the cultivation of virtues.
Definition of Virtue: Essential characteristics needed to be a good person (moral being).
Virtue of Courage:
Courage exists in the balance between cowardice (too little) and rashness (too much).
Examples highlight situational appropriateness of courage.
Influence of Community:
One's community significantly impacts moral development and virtue.
Role models contribute to character formation through actions observed.
The Role of Community:
Community shapes moral behaviors through expectations and examples.
Following poor role models can lead to immoral behavior.
Importance of Friends:
Choosing virtuous friends enhances one's ability to cultivate morality.
Alasdair MacIntyre's Perspective:
MacIntyre emphasizes a virtuous community reminiscent of small, supportive groups (e.g., New England fishing villages).
Practical Wisdom:
Virtue is learned through practical wisdom gained from experience and feedback from others.
Human Uniqueness:
Unlike animals and plants, humans have the capability to become virtuous due to rationality.
End of Human Life:
The goal of human existence is achieving happiness (Eudaimonia) which is aligned with moral goodness.
Two Types of Virtues:
Practical Virtues: Gained through experience; crucial for moral excellence.
Intellectual Virtues: Related to knowledge and thought, not necessarily linked to moral behavior.
Habit and Custom:
Moral excellence stems from habit and custom, showing the importance of consistent practice.
Active Participation:
Being a good person involves conscious effort in doing the right thing, moving beyond mere instruction.
Community's Role:
The behaviors and morals shared within a community inform individual actions and beliefs.
Witnessing disobedience can shift one's understanding of right and wrong.
Characteristics of Good People:
Essential virtues discussed include honesty, loyalty, bravery, and kindness.
Consideration of extremes: Each virtue has a deficiency and excess.
Finding Balance:
The right amount of each virtue is situationally dependent.
Virtues such as empathy, loyalty, and courage can become problematic without moderation.