🥸ethics review

key term - Aristotle

Definition

Aristotle was an ancient Greek philosopher whose work laid the foundation for many areas of Western philosophy, including ethics. He is best known for developing virtue ethics, which emphasizes the importance of character and virtues in moral decision-making rather than focusing solely on rules or consequences. His ideas have significant implications in comparing virtue ethics with other ethical frameworks like consequentialism and deontology, as well as in identifying key virtues and character traits that shape moral behavior.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Aristotle believed that ethical behavior comes from developing good character traits, which he called virtues, rather than just following rules or calculating outcomes.
  2. His work on virtue ethics highlights the importance of context and personal relationships in moral decision-making, differing from the more rigid structures of deontology.
  3. Aristotle identified a range of virtues, such as courage, temperance, and justice, each representing a mean between two vices.
  4. He argued that achieving eudaimonia requires not just intellectual understanding but also practical application of virtues in daily life.
  5. Aristotle's ethical framework has influenced modern discussions about morality, emphasizing the development of character and practical wisdom (phronesis) in ethical living.

Review Questions

  • How does Aristotle's approach to ethics differ from consequentialism and deontology?
    • Aristotle's virtue ethics focuses on the development of character and virtues rather than strictly adhering to rules or calculating the consequences of actions. In contrast to consequentialism, which assesses morality based on outcomes, and deontology, which relies on established moral duties, Aristotle emphasizes the importance of individual moral agents cultivating virtuous traits. This character-centered approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of moral situations by considering the context and motivations behind actions.
  • What are some key virtues identified by Aristotle, and how do they relate to his concept of the Golden Mean?
    • Aristotle identified several key virtues such as courage, temperance, and justice. Each virtue represents a balance between two extremes—deficiency and excess—known as the Golden Mean. For example, courage lies between cowardice (deficiency) and recklessness (excess). By aiming for this balance, individuals can cultivate virtues that lead to moral behavior and ultimately contribute to achieving eudaimonia or flourishing.
  • Evaluate the relevance of Aristotle's virtue ethics in contemporary discussions about morality and character development.
    • Aristotle's virtue ethics remains highly relevant today as it shifts the focus from mere rule-following or outcome-based morality to the importance of character development and practical wisdom. In contemporary society, where ethical dilemmas often arise in complex contexts, his approach encourages individuals to reflect on their character traits and strive for personal growth. This perspective fosters a deeper understanding of morality that emphasizes relationships and community engagement, ultimately enhancing ethical living in today's diverse world.