Virtue Ethics

1. According to Aristotle, practical wisdom (phronesis) helps individuals to:

• Make informed, rational decisions.

2. What is a common criticism of Aristotle’s virtue ethics discussed in the video?

• It does not give specific rules and is considered vague.

3. What does Aristotle mean by ‘Telos’?

• An end or purpose.

4. One criticism of Aristotle’s virtue ethics is that it can be seen as a selfish approach to ethics.

• True

5. The doctrine of the mean suggests that virtue lies between two extremes or vices.

• True

6. What does the doctrine of the mean propose?

• Virtue lies between two vices.

7. According to Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, what is the main focus of virtue ethics?

• Developing a virtuous character.

8. Which virtue is concerned with the proper ambition?

• Balanced ambition.

9. In Aristotle’s example, what is considered the excess of the virtue of courage?

• Recklessness.

10. The ‘Telos’ of a knife is to cut.

• True

11. _____ is the virtue associated with finding the balance between cowardice and recklessness.

• Courage.

12. Aristotle identified _____ moral virtues, including courage, temperance, and generosity, which guide individuals toward a virtuous character.

• Twelve.

13. The concept of ____ refers to Aristotle’s idea that every being or object has an ultimate purpose or end.

• Telos.

14. Why might virtue ethics be criticized as “subjective” in practice?

• It does not provide a universal measure for what lies between extremes.

15. What ethical theory is Aristotle primarily associated with?

• Virtue ethics.

16. According to the Doctrine of Mean, the virtue of courage lies between which two extremes?

• Cowardice and recklessness.

17. What concept describes Aristotle’s belief that every being and object has an ultimate end or purpose?

• Telos.

18. According to Aristotle, which concept represents “practical wisdom” or the ability to make reasoned decisions in moral matters?

• Phronesis.

19. According to the transcript, Aristotle believed that some actions, like adultery or theft, are always vices and have no golden mean.

• True

20. The concept of eudaimonia is entirely subjective and does not require moral virtue for fulfillment.

• False (Eudaimonia requires moral virtue for fulfillment.)

21. Aristotle’s ethical theory can be considered consequentialist because it has an end goal of happiness.

• False (It focuses on character development, not just outcomes.)

22. Virtue ethics is seen by some as a potentially selfish approach to ethics since it focuses on individual happiness.

• True

23. Aristotle’s virtue ethics provides clear rules and laws for specific actions.

• False (It emphasizes character and practical wisdom instead.)