ethics argument paper 1

Aristotle Book II

1. What are differences between senses and virtues, and why would the differences matter? 1103b See also 1105b

2. What role do the following play in virtue: 1) knowledge 2) rational choice 3) unshakable character ? 1105a intentional—we don’t do temperate things because we start out as temperate. We habituate first. By doing just actions, one becomes just. (1105b)

3. Virtues are not feelings Chap. 5 1106a. Also Chap. 7 near 1108b and 1109b What is your own example that illustrates this?

4. Discuss examples of mean being relative, not simply mathematical. Chap. 6 1106b How does one find the mean? 1109b

5. What’s an example (not already given) of an action that does not have a mean? 1107a 6. Why does Aristotle say that self-deprecation is not a virtue? What are examples? Would

humility be a virtue? Explain. 7. Why is it hard to be good, according to Aristotle?

Book II Chapter 1 (1103a) Two kinds of virtue and how they work. He says that virtue is not brought about from nature. Note the example of a stone and of fire. Senses already have their virtue--eyes and ears don't improve with practice. (1103b) But virtue is different. We become just by doing just things the way they are supposed to be done. This is evidence of habituation. Aristotle claims at the beginning of this book that one way we become virtuous is by habituation, and then he offers reasons supported by examples. A claim with at least one reason is an...? Chapter 2 (1104a) This exercising of the virtues depends on right reason, which he will develop later, but it has to do with using reason correctly, the way it was meant to be used. It has to do with finding the proper mean between two extremes. The business of the mean starts in earnest here. Regarding his discussion of courage, one is reminded of the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, specifically Sir Lancelot the Brave (rash, reckless) and Sir Robin the Not So Brave as Sir Lancelot (cowardly). (1104b) Habituation (temperance, in this case) leads to becoming. Chapter 3 (1105a) Last paragraph sums up the definition of virtue and its relation to pleasure and pain. Chapter 4 1105a,b) When contrasting the virtues to the arts, Aristotle emphasizes how virtue ethics works. Chapter 5 (1106a) Virtue is not feelings. Feelings are spontaneous and often out of our control. Virtue is more intentional. Chapter 6 (arguably, one of the most important sections) (1106a,b) More and fuller explanation of the mean and its relationship to using reason in deciding how to act. (Closer to 1107a) If you've ever wondered why it's more difficult to be good than it is to be not- so-good, Aristotle has your answer here. And herein lies an important point in understanding the virtues. There cannot be too much of a virtue, but there can be too much of its excess or deficiency. Being generous is being generous, but some people are too stingy (deficiency) and others are too wasteful (excess), depending on their abilities. Chapter 7 Most of this chapter is an explanation of virtues and their extremes. Some are more suited to a conversation about social responsibility than others are. Perhaps righteous indignation (1108b) would work. Chapter 8 Full discussion of the mean in relation to the excesses. Chapter 9 (1109b) Aristotle says we must deviate a bit here and there from the mean to more clearly see it and hit it more directly. This is because our perception of the right act is not always clear.