Virtue Ethics as Presented by Aristotle

• Who is the main figure associated with virtue ethics?

  Aristotle
• What is the primary focus of virtue ethics?

  On the development of virtues within the individual
• What does the term 'virtue' mean in the context of virtue ethics?

  A settled purposive disposition located in the mean
• What is the 'golden mean' in virtue ethics?

  It is the desirable middle ground between two extremes of excess and deficiency
• How does Aristotle view happiness in relation to virtue ethics?

  Happiness is the ultimate purpose of life and is achieved through virtue
• How does virtue ethics differ from natural law and situation ethics?

  Virtue ethics focuses on the morality of the individual rather than specific actions
• What should you consider when applying virtue ethics to issues of human life and death?

  What kind of person should I be in relation to these issues?
• What are the key components of Aristotle's virtue ethics that students need to know for the exam?

  • Background to Aristotle
  • Idea of Telos and eudaimonia
  • Function argument
  • Nature of the soul and virtues
  • Doctrine of the mean (golden mean)
  • Importance of proper intention
  • Theoria (contemplation) as the highest good
• What is eudaimonia in virtue ethics?

  Eudaimonia is the state of supreme happiness and flourishing
• What does Aristotle mean by the 'function argument'?

  It refers to the idea that everything has a purpose or function
• How does Aristotle categorize virtues?

  Into intellectual and moral virtues
• What is the significance of practical wisdom in virtue ethics?

  It equips individuals with the moral knowledge to make virtuous decisions
• How does virtue ethics view the development of character?

  It emphasizes the importance of developing virtue over a lifetime
• What does Aristotle say about moral virtue?

  Moral virtue is a mean between two vices, one of excess and one of deficiency
• What is the role of intention in virtue ethics?

  Intention is crucial for determining the morality of actions
• How can you apply virtue ethics to the issue of embryo experimentation?

  Consider what kind of person you should be in relation to this issue
• What does Barry Schwartz argue regarding virtue ethics in education?

  He argues for teaching morality in schools to equip students with moral skills
• What is the significance of the quote "for one swallow does not make a summer"?

  It reflects that virtue ethics focuses on the whole life rather than individual actions
• What are the key terms associated with Aristotle's virtue ethics that students should know for the exam?

  • Virtue: settled purposive disposition located in the mean
  • Eudaimonia: supreme happiness and flourishing
  • Golden Mean: balance between deficiency and excess
  • Practical Wisdom: moral knowledge for decision-making
  • Theoria: contemplation as the highest good
• What does the term 'disposition' refer to in virtue ethics?

  A character trait related to virtue
• How does virtue ethics view the relationship between actions and character?

  Good people do good things, emphasizing character development
• What does Aristotle mean by saying "the older the wiser"?

  Wisdom is developed through experience over time
• What is the role of voluntary action in virtue ethics?

  It is action brought about by the will, related to free will
• What does the term 'holistic' mean in the context of virtue ethics?

  It concerns the whole person rather than individual actions
• How does virtue ethics encourage individuals to make moral decisions?

  By equipping them with the skill set to make decisions for themselves
• What is the significance of the quote "moral virtue is a mean between two vices"?

  It emphasizes the need for balance in moral behavior
• What does Aristotle believe is the ultimate aim for human beings?

  To achieve eudaimonia through contemplation and virtue
• How does virtue ethics view the importance of experience in moral development?

  Experience is essential for developing practical wisdom and virtue
• What is the definition of 'temperance' in virtue ethics?

  Temperance is the virtue of self-control
• How does virtue ethics approach the concept of moral decision-making?

  It emphasizes the character of the individual rather than specific actions
• What does Aristotle's view on the soul entail?

  The soul is the form or blueprint of the body, with a hierarchy of souls
• What is the significance of the term 'vices' in virtue ethics?

  Vices are the opposite of virtues, representing deficiencies and excesses
• What does Aristotle mean by 'practical wisdom'?

  Practical wisdom is the ability to make sound moral decisions based on experience
• How does virtue ethics encourage personal growth?

  By focusing on the development of character and virtues over a lifetime
• What is the role of 'theoria' in Aristotle's virtue ethics?

  Theoria refers to contemplation, which Aristotle sees as the highest good for humans
• How does virtue ethics view the relationship between happiness and virtue?

  Happiness is achieved through the cultivation of virtue
• What does Aristotle suggest about the difficulty of being good?

  It is hard to find the middle point in feelings and actions
• What does Aristotle's quote "everything we do is aiming at some good" imply?

  All actions are directed towards achieving goodness
• What is the significance of the quote "happiness is found to be something perfect and self-sufficient"?

  Happiness can be achieved from within oneself
• How does virtue ethics encourage individuals to reflect on their lives?

  By promoting the idea of looking at one's life as a whole rather than isolated actions