Reading assignment for Tuesday:
Rosenstand Pg. 398-399
Pojman pg. 121-134
-Happiness: a better word is flourishing or success.
Virtue is a character trait which makes you a good person (good example of a human being)- It lies on a mean between two extremes:excess and deficiency.
Courage
cowardice foolhardy
(deficiency) (excess)
A virtuous person will be able to recognize where the mean lies in particular situations.
Moral judgement is a skill- it develops with practice
Moderation
uninpressionable gluttony
celibacy addiction
(deficiency) (excess)
Patriotism
"blame America" flag wavers
disloyal fanaticism
(deficiency) (excess)
Humility
pride false humanity
(deficiency) (excess)
OBJECTIONS TO VIRTUE ETHICS
1. No way to settle disagreements on what is virtuous and what is not.
2. Aristotle- idea of the purpose of human beings- maybe we don't have one, or maybe it is different for each person.
3. Humans aren't that great at being rational. It's not in our nature or purpose.