Ethics and Character Analysis

Study Notes

Origin of "Character"

Originates from the Greek word ‘charaktēr’, initially meaning a mark on a coin.
Evolved to signify a quality that distinguishes individuals.
Often overlaps with "personality," focusing on distinctive traits and mannerisms.

Ethical View of Character

Aristotle in Nicomachean Ethics identifies two types of human excellence: thought and character.
"Excellence of character" or ‘ethikai aretai’ relates closely to moral virtue and excellence.
"Virtue" embodies ethically admirable qualities and is more than distinctiveness; it reflects moral character.

Circular Relationship of Acts and Character

Moral development is influenced by a circular relationship between individual acts and character.
Actions do not always build moral character; however, those stemming from a moral character are significant for growth.
A person's moral character influences actions, whereas actions can develop virtue or vice.
Human flourishing is achieved through the habitual practice of moral and intellectual virtues, contributing to self-realization and happiness.
Virtuous traits should be stable, deriving from learning and practice, not luck.
Good moral character is essential for determining appropriate actions in various situations; a virtuous person uses judgment for moral praise or blame.

Moral Character as Disposition

Moral character traits serve as behavioral dispositions within human beings.
Virtues attract positive reactive attitudes such as praise, while vices attract negative reactions like blame.
Good moral character fosters a disposition towards virtuous actions; bad character leads to a propensity for vices.

Kohlberg's Moral Development Stages

Lawrence Kohlberg proposed six stages of moral reasoning, spanning from infancy to adulthood, building on Piaget’s theory.
Stages are categorized into three levels: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional, each reflecting increasing complexity in moral reasoning.
Moral understanding progresses in a fixed order, closely linked to cognitive development.

First Stage of Kohlberg's Development

Preconventional morality spans until around age 8; children defer to external authority and rules.
Level 1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation – individuals act to avoid punishment.
Level 2: Individualism and Exchange – children start acknowledging multiple perspectives rather than a single authority viewpoint.

Description

Explore the origins and ethical implications of character as discussed by Aristotle. This quiz delves into the relationship between moral actions and personal character, highlighting the significance of virtue in moral development. Understand how individual acts can shape one's ethical identity and contribute to human flourishing.