PHL 201 TH 11/29/01 notes

2nd Exam grading scale:
A 30-35
B 26-29
C 20-25
D 16-19
F 15 and below

Reading assignment: Ros. 398-399, Poj.121-134

Virtue Ethics-Aristotle
How is virtue ethics different from what we have looked at so far?
*Virtue Ethics-Find the characteristics of the ideal person (vs. trying to find out what makes particular acts right or wrong.)

Aristotle uses characteristics called virtues
Greek word is: *arete, ?excellence?
Not huge distinction between moral virtue and virtue.

Aristotle says the goal of morality is successful living.
Greek word *eudainonia translates ?happiness?-more like successful living, human flourishing, prosperity, being successful.

Aristotle?s definition of success:
*Ultimate success-life of contemplation, intellectual activities, philosophizing.
Reason is because it is a human?s rational nature that sets apart from the rest of nature.
-Inanimate objects have the nature of being hard and laying still ex. Rock
-Plants have growth, reproduction-nutrition
-Animals have the same as plants plus movement
-People have the below plus rationalism
Hence, rationality distinguishes mankind from the rest of nature

*Virtue-Characteristic or character trait-disposition to act a certain way
Ex: if you have character trait of lying, you have a tendency to lie-behavioral habits
*Virtues-good behavioral habits which lead to success

1) Temperance or Moderation-self control w/ regard to certain desires. How much do you go after seeking short-term pleasure?
There are two extremes.
a) Excess is hedonistic, overindulging, lush- this leads to gluttony or drunkenness etc. which damages your health compromising your level of success.
b) Deficiency is repressed; asceticism workaholism-also has bad outcome

You have to find the middle ground which is closer the deficiency since that is the difficult one to do.

2) Courage
a) Excess-foolhardiness, brashness
b) Deficiency-cowardice

You have to find the middle ground, which is closer the excess side since it is easier to be cowardice

3) Pride-this is a virtue for Aristotle
a) Excess-pride
b) False humility
Middle is closer to false humility since it is easier to lean toward pride

Objection to Aristotle?s theory of virtue: no way to settle disputes because mean is found by intuition and practice (Aristotle?s reply: use common sense)

There are more virtues not from Aristotle in Rosenstand on pg358

Victor Hugo- Bishop and candle sticks-using the example of LesMiserables
Shows the Christian values:
1) Faith
2) Charity
3) Help
4) Trust
5) Courage

Hugo raises the question is the Christian in the story just lucky he did not get killed-is this just a heart warming story or could it really happen.