| | In week 4 you examined virtue ethics and what it means to live a flourishing life. One thing we learned was that in an Aristotelian account, what the virtues are and the way they enable us to flourish is a function of the kind of activity characteristic of the being in question. With that in mind, identify 3 virtues that are elicited by a feminist ethics such as the ones we find in the readings for this week. Should we regard those as specific to women, or are they virtues that men should cultivate as well? Contrast these with 3 virtues that might be more closely associated with the kind of masculine view of ethics that some of the authors claim has dominated our thinking. How might our view of the virtuous life and virtuous behavior change by focusing our attention on feminist ethics? Make reference to the arguments of at least one of the relevant readings from week 5 in your discussion, but you are encouraged to compare and contrast multiple readings as well.
Reply 1 - kathy Faith, courage and prudence are a few of the virtues highlighted in virtue ethics concerning feminism. For years feminist approaches to ethics, has been debated and questioned in regards to morality’s gendered nature. The equality of women in the is still an ongoing crusade. The article Autonomy, gender, politics (Friedman, 2003) the author writes, “This charge derives much of its plausibility from the gender-linked manner in which mainstream conceptions of autonomy are often deployed. Popular culture as well as psychological personality studies associate autonomy with men more than with women. Popular gender stereotypes, for example, treat autonomy and independence as male but not female character ideals. Ideals for women, by contrast, emphasize nurturance and relationality. Gender stereotypes thus reinforce an autonomy/relationality split” (para. 1, p. 83). Self-governing or independence is often associated with males because of the association of strength that comes with independence. Reply2- brittney | | Three virtues that I think of when I think of women would be compassionate, patient, and also a little vain. When you put these three virtues against men they are typically raised to be the protector, provider, and enforcer. When reading Elizabeth Cady article she explained “boys brought up with women are more gentle, pure-minded, and conscientious than those educated wholly by their own sex.” (Staton, 2007, p. 201) In having the women show boys that compassion for one another can help any situation go a little smoother, the boys would have a tendency to think about what is going on before they speak. Now if you have a girl brought up with men the girl is more likely to be “vigorous in thought and action, less vain and frivolous.” (Staton, 2007, p. 201) These virtues do not have to be just a woman’s way of thinking but also a man’s way of thinking too. Taking into consideration other people’s feelings before reacting to a situation should be done by all. Slowing down to actually listen to the other person can make it easier for you to understand the way of thinking the other person is doing, as well as helping you decide how to explain your point-of-view. Women will always have tendencies to be vain, there are also many men who act similar. We all want to be pretty and noticed but making sure to be respectful to others in the process. Over the past century we as a community, both men and women, have evolved to see women more on an equal level than the men being more important or worthy of women. “We must educate in every way woman’s self-respect and show man the momentous responsibilities that rest on her elevation.” (Staton, 2007, p. 211) Reply 3 -aysha | | According to the text for Aristotle, the virtuous person, or the person of virtuous character, is someone who has admirable characteristics and displays them in a way that is balanced and harmonious. This person seeks to have an ideal character, and the virtues that contribute to this goal will all be appropriately related to each other. Ultimately, the person with practical or moral wisdom—what Aristotle calls phronesis—will have the appropriate virtues, will know how to use them, and will possess moral excellence. Such a person will achieve the specific kind of happiness Aristotle describes as human flourishing. Aristotle describes two virtues that are a bit more complex. One of these he calls temperance, or sophrosunë (Aristotle, 2002). A temperate person is moderate and has self-control. This person is able to control his or her emotions through reason and does not indulge in the extreme. When it comes to drinking wine, the intemperate person will drink too much of it, whereas the person who rejects it entirely, in spite of finding it enjoyable, is regarded as insensible. Temperance, then, is a middle ground between the two excesses of insensibility and intemperance. Aristotle also describes a virtue he calls magnanimity, which is how we see ourselves and how we are regarded by others (Aristotle, 2002). This can involve the respect others give us and also the kinds of rewards and honors we can receive. Along with justice, Aristotle considered this to be the highest virtue. Mosser, K. (2013). |
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yae01
11 years ago
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