Ethics and Virtue in Aristotle's Philosophy

Ethics of Virtue

• Emphasizes character formation, aiming to lead a good and happy life through virtuous actions.
• Ethical disagreements can be abstract, questioning the foundational aspects of ethics rather than providing concrete moral guidance.

Ethical vs Nonethical Disagreements

• Nonethical disagreements focus on legal structures rather than moral values, as shown in debates over assisted suicide involving four perspectives.
• Ethical disagreements, such as those around abortion or assisted suicide, evoke deeper philosophical inquiries about the nature of ethics and moral truths.

Philosophical Disciplines

• Moral Philosophy includes Metaphysics and Ethics, alongside Political Philosophy, Aesthetics, Epistemology, and Philosophical Psychology.
• Aesthetics focuses on values and how things ought to be, parallel to ethics, yet different as ethics guides behavior rather than cultivating experiences.

Moral Truth vs Empirical Truths

• Moral truths pose complexity in determining which set of values is superior and the criteria for their hierarchy.
• "Truth" in ethics does not equate to empirical facts; moral philosophy addresses what ought to be rather than what is.

Voluntary and Involuntary Actions

• Aristotle distinguishes voluntary actions, based on the individual's choice and knowledge, from involuntary ones, which occur under compulsion or ignorance.
• Virtue requires voluntary choices, and repeated practice leads to the ingrained qualities seen in individuals like seasoned soldiers.

Appropriate Emotional Responses

• Emotions should be rational, proportionate responses to stimuli, ideally informed by practical wisdom and experience.
• Continuous training of emotions is essential for a balanced character that aligns with rational decision-making.

Doctrine of the Mean

• Virtue lies between excess and deficiency, emphasizing the importance of moderation.
• Engaging in virtuous actions contributes to character development, illustrating a cyclical connection between action and virtue acquisition.

General Themes and Concepts

• Virtues are formed through habitual practice; one’s actions reflect the quality of their character.
• Aristotle views politics as an overarching framework aiming for the common good, essential for ethical considerations in society.
• Practical experience and good habits are crucial for understanding and applying moral principles effectively, moving beyond theoretical exploration.

Relativism

• Relativism argues against universal truths and moral principles, claiming all truths are context-dependent (e.g., age, culture).
• Historical reference to ancient Greeks indicates that societies can normalize practices like slavery based on their moral framework.
• Moral philosophy analyzes motivations driving actions (Kant) and the consequences of those actions (Mill).

Causality

• Two types of causation are identified in responses to studying:
  • Teleological causation: reasoning based on desired outcomes.
  • Temporal causation: understanding actions through their preceding effects.

Heidegger's Philosophy

• Concept of “towards-which” structures emphasizes functional understanding of the world.
• Prior knowledge influences comprehension and expectations in environments, such as classrooms, before formal explanations are given.
• Conscious awareness arises from disruptions in expected functionality (e.g., a missing watch hand).

Ultimate Terminus

• The question of ultimate ends in life is raised; pursuing a degree serves as a means to various ends, such as employment and independence.
• Aristotle postulates an ultimate terminus exists to give purpose to desires, contrasting existentialist views.
• Essence must relate to existence, suggesting purpose can only be discerned through actions derived from existence.

Happiness (Eudaimonia)

• Happiness is presented as an ultimate goal rather than a means to an end, sparking philosophical questioning of its nature.
• Material wealth does not equate to happiness as its value is tied to resources, not intrinsic satisfaction.
• Pleasure is transient and cannot define lasting happiness due to its fleeting nature.

The State of Flourishing

• Refers to a dynamic process of self-improvement and achieving excellence, often perceived as leading additional ends.
• Life's inherent difficulties are manageable through character and values, which contribute to happiness.
• Genuine happiness involves virtuous aspirations and moral excellence; true happiness is denied to those indifferent to self-improvement.
• Ethical considerations encompass personal happiness and the well-being of others; actions motivated by the happiness of others align with personal fulfillment.