how did aristotle view virtue? course hero

What is Aristotle's theory of virtue ethics?

2 The nature of virtue "A virtue is an admirable character trait. It's not a mere habit, or tendency to act in a certain way. Habit does not define a person; character traits do….". The virtue examined is generosity. It is clear from the discussion that the perceptions of stingy and generous people are very different; they have varying thoughts. . Generosity is a happy medium between ...

What does Aristotle say about virtue and happiness?

The Virtue Ethics of Aristotle The philosophical inquiry into ethics began with ancient Greeks. Although the main preoccupation of the ancient philosophers during that time was about trying to find an answer as regards the question "where did everything come from? ", the sophists tried to focus their inquiry into a man as a human person and as a thinking being.

What is Aristotle’s theory of the highest good?

Feb 23, 2020 · In Aristotle’s view, the virtue are: ( acquired through philosophical reflection) 3. How was the school founded by Aristotle known?(lyceum) 4. ... Course Hero is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university. ...

What do Aristotle and Confucius have in common about morality?

Aristotle goes on to compare this view with Socrates’ idea that “virtue is knowledge”, which we saw in Plato’s Meno (Lecture 7e). Aristotle agrees that a kind of knowledge – namely, practical wisdom – is required for true virtue. But he disagrees that this is all that’s needed; there also needs to be virtue of character.

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Each of the virtues is a state of being that naturally seeks its mean {Gk. μεσος } relative to us. According to Aristotle, the virtuous habit of action is always an intermediate state between the opposed vices of excess and deficiency: too much and too little are always wrong; the right kind of action always lies in the mean. (Nic.

How did Aristotle view virtue?

Aristotle defines moral virtue as a disposition to behave in the right manner and as a mean between extremes of deficiency and excess, which are vices. We learn moral virtue primarily through habit and practice rather than through reasoning and instruction.

How does Aristotle define virtue essay?

Aristotle holds that virtues originate from actions that human beings perform because one can either be a good or bad person based on actions. In his ethics, Aristotle asserts that whatever activities that human beings do ultimately lead to a good or a bad end.Oct 17, 2020

How does Aristotle define virtue quote?

Virtue is a state of character concerned with choice, being determined by rational principle as determined by the moderate man of practical wisdom. The end being what we wish for, the means what we deliberate about and we choose our actions voluntarily.Jun 10, 2019

How does Aristotle believe we should learn virtue?

2:119:22Aristotle & Virtue Theory: Crash Course Philosophy #38 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo part of Aristotle's thoughts on virtue theory ended up in natural law theory but for Aristotle.MoreSo part of Aristotle's thoughts on virtue theory ended up in natural law theory but for Aristotle. This isn't about God's plan it's just about nature Aristotle argued that Nature has built into us the

Why is virtue important to Aristotle?

In the Ethics, Aristotle describes a thorough understanding of ethical and intellectual virtue. By pursuing these virtues, Aristotle argues that a person can achieve a life of fulfilling happiness. The ideal polis as described in the Politics serves as a place where the virtuous life is attained in the best manner.

What is Aristotle's view of morality?

The moral theory of Aristotle, like that of Plato, focuses on virtue, recommending the virtuous way of life by its relation to happiness.Aug 3, 2004

How does Aristotle distinguish between intellectual virtue and moral virtue?

Aristotle (1998, pp. 28-29 [1102a14-1103 b25]) suggests that moral and intellectual virtues are developed in different ways. Intellectual virtues are developed through teaching and instruction, while moral virtues are developed through a process of habituation.Nov 4, 2017

Why does Aristotle say that virtue is a mean or intermediate?

Aristotle describes a virtue as a “mean” or “intermediate” between two extremes: one of excess and one of deficiency. 2. Example: bravery (e.g. on a battlefield) Involves how much we let fear restrict or modify our actions. Bravery is the mean or intermediate between cowardliness and rashness.

How does Aristotle distinguish moral and intellectual virtue?

Aristotle. Moral virtues are exemplified by courage, temperance, and liberality; the key intellectual virtues are wisdom, which governs ethical behaviour, and understanding, which is expressed in scientific endeavour and contemplation.

Does Aristotle believe virtue is innate?

Aristotle claims that the virtues are innate. According to Aristotle, to be virtuous is for the rational part of one's soul to govern over the non-rational part. According to Aristotle, happiness is an activity, not a state. Aristotle holds that an inquiry into ethics cannot be perfectly precise.

How does Aristotle say we should live a virtuous life?

Aristotle, more so than Socrates, discusses the importance of external goods in the context of attaining the good life. To live virtuously means exercising the part of the mind that practices reason and excellence; this life of excellence is what should be attained in accordance with reason.Nov 12, 2012

What are virtues in Aristotle's view?

Although the virtues are habits of acting or dispositions to act in certain ways, Aristotle maintained that these habits are acquired by engaging in proper conduct on specific occasions and that doing so requires thinking about what one does in a specific way. Neither demonstrative knowledge of the sort employed in science nor aesthetic judgment of the sort applied in crafts are relevant to morality. The understanding {Gk. διανοια [diánoia] } can only explore the nature of origins of things, on Aristotle’s view, and wisdom {Gk. σοφια [sophía] } can only trace the demonstratable connections among them.

What is the morality of Aristotle?

Under these conditions, Aristotle supposed, moral actions are within our power to perform or avoid; hence, we can reasonably be held responsible for them and their consequences. Just as with health of the body, virtue of the soul is a habit that can be acquired (at least in part) as the result of our own choices.

Why did Aristotle give careful consideration to the aspects of human nature involved in acting and accepting moral responsibility?

Because ethics is a practical rather than a theoretical science , Aristotle also gave careful consideration to the aspects of human nature involved in acting and accepting moral responsibility. Moral evaluation of an action presupposes the attribution of responsibility to a human agent.

What is Aristotle's goal in ethics?

The Goal of Ethics. Aristotle applied the same patient, careful, descriptive approach to his examination of moral philosophy in the Εθικη Νικομαχοι ( Nicomachean Ethics ). Here he discussed the conditions under which moral responsibility may be ascribed to individual agents, the nature of the virtues and vices involved in moral evaluation, ...

What did Aristotle consider the role of human relationships in general and friendship?

φιλια [philia] } in particular as a vital element in the good life.

What is the good for human beings?

The good for human beings, then, must essentially involve the entire proper function of human life as a whole, and this must be an activity of the soul that expresses genuine virtue or excellence. ( Nic.

What did Aristotle say about happiness?

Pleasure is not a good in itself, he argued, since it is by its nature incomplete. But worthwhile activities are often associated with their own distinctive pleasures. Hence, we are rightly guided in life by our natural preference for engaging in pleasant activities rather than in unpleasant ones.

What are the similarities between Aristotle and Confucius?

They both made significant contributions in the world’s virtues and ethics. Their philosophic works were similar in nature, but with some different aspects, ideas and outlooks on virtue. Their philosophies are still alive and in use today, and taught in institutions. They were great thinkers with great influence in the ancient society. ‘The word “virtue’’ is a transliteration of the Latin virtus (from vir, literally “manhood”), which was in turn employed by Latin authors to translate the Greek arête, originally referring to excellence on manly qualities’ (Yu, 2013). This paper will focus on the comparison between these two philosophers, highlighting the similarities and differences of their teachings on virtues.

What is virtue in Greek?

They were great thinkers with great influence in the ancient society. ‘The word “virtue’’ is a transliteration of the Latin virtus (from vir, literally “manhood”), which was in turn employed by Latin authors to translate the Greek arête, originally referring to excellence on manly qualities’ (Yu, 2013). This paper will focus on the comparison ...

What are the virtues of Aristotle?

These virtues are the beliefs and truths that individuals believe will make them happy , and if an individual behaves in a way consistent with his or her beliefs, then that person is both virtuous and ethical and will be happy. These views fit into Aristotle's thoughts on politics and governance.

What does Aristotle mean by virtue?

Aristotle defines virtue as the average, or 'mean,' between excess and deficiency. Basically, he says, the idea of virtue is ''all things in moderation.''. Humans should enjoy existence, but not be selfish. They should avoid pain and displeasure, but not expect a life completely void of them.

Who introduced the idea of ethics?

Greek philosopher Aristotle introduced the idea that ethics should focus on how we act, and less on the effects of our actions or the intentions behind them. In this lesson, we'll discuss these virtue ethics and how well Aristotle' s theory is accepted. Create an account.

What type of ethics did Aristotle use?

In Aristotle's time, most philosophers were focused on one of two types of ethics. One is called deontological ethics , which judges ethics by how well a person follows the laws and rules of society. Deontologists would say, ''it doesn't matter what happens, following the rule is always the right thing to do.'' The second, teleological ethics, judges ethics based on the outcomes of a person's actions. Teleological ethicists would say, ''If what you do leads to something good, you did the right thing.'' There are flaws in both types of thinking, so Aristotle introduced a third option.

Who was Aristotle's student?

Along with studying philosophy, Aristotle was an astronomer, a writer, a biologist, and a geologist. He was a student of Plato and is known for his ideas on politics, government, and often most notably, ethics.

What are some of Aristotle's criticisms?

One of the most common criticisms is that the idea of virtue ethics is very egocentric, meaning it focuses heavily on the individual, and not the impact an individual's behavior may have on others.

What is Aristotle's philosophy based on?

Unlike the teleological ethics perspective that the outcome of an action determined if it was ethical, or the deontological ethics perspective that simply believed following laws and rules was ethical, Aristotle's ideas were based on an individual's virtues.