Ethics: Virtue and Natural Law Theories

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Questions and Answers

What is the central focus of virtue theory according to Aristotle?

  • Following strict moral rules
  • Developing a strong character (correct)
  • Accumulating wealth and power
  • Achieving maximum pleasure

What does Aristotle believe is essential for human flourishing?

  • Obedience to rules
  • Wealth and social status
  • Eudaimonia (correct)
  • Intellectual achievements

Which concept describes the ideal of achieving balance in virtues according to Aristotle?

  • Plato's ideal forms
  • Natural law
  • Absolute virtue
  • Golden Mean (correct)

In virtue ethics, what is the significance of moral exemplars?

<p>They provide a model of virtuous living. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Aristotle, how do individuals achieve good actions?

<p>Through the practice of becoming a good person (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of humanity does Aristotle emphasize when discussing proper functioning?

<p>The rational and social nature of humans (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does virtue theory relate to natural law theory?

<p>Both theories emphasize following laws imparted by a higher power. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a virtuous person according to Aristotle?

<p>They display confidence without arrogance. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Aristotle's concept of the Golden Mean propose?

<p>Virtue exists as a balance between excess and deficiency. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does virtue relate to eudaimonia in Aristotle's teachings?

<p>Eudaimonia results from virtuous living and moral excellence. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of moral exemplars in virtue ethics?

<p>Moral exemplars provide a model for virtuous behavior. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Aquinas, what is the natural law?

<p>The rational creature's participation in the eternal law of God. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes human beings from other creatures in the context of natural law?

<p>Human beings are endowed with the power of reason. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes eudaimonia as understood in virtue ethics?

<p>Eudaimonia is the ultimate goal of living virtuously. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Aquinas' teaching on natural law in relation to human law?

<p>Natural law is a guiding foundation for creating human laws. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of human nature does Aristotle emphasize in relation to virtue?

<p>Humans have intellectual capabilities that lead towards virtue. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in developing virtue according to Aristotle?

<p>Emulating moral exemplars (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept describes the optimal point between excess and deficiency in moral behavior, according to Aristotle?

<p>The Golden Mean (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Aristotle view the role of habituation in developing virtue?

<p>It is crucial for ingraining virtues into character. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the flourishing life that results from achieving personal goals and moral excellence?

<p>Eudaimonia (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a eudaimonistic life entail?

<p>Striving towards personal growth and development (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Aristotle define morality?

<p>Being the best person possible through self-improvement (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a role of moral exemplars in the development of virtue?

<p>They demonstrate what it means to act virtuously. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might initially practicing virtue feel inauthentic?

<p>One is simply imitating others instead of being genuine. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Virtue Theory

A moral philosophy that emphasizes character development and the pursuit of virtuous traits.

Golden Mean

The midpoint between two vices of excess and deficiency in character traits.

Eudaimonia

A state of flourishing or happiness achieved through virtuous living.

Natural Law

The idea that humans are innately inclined towards good action determined by their nature.

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Eternal Law

God's plan for the universe, including the actions of humans and other creatures.

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Human Nature

The intrinsic characteristics and tendencies of human beings.

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Inclinations

Natural tendencies or desires that guide behavior, such as the tendency to survive, reproduce, or seek knowledge.

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Reason

The ability to understand and apply logic to make moral decisions, distinguish right from wrong, and control natural inclinations.

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Moral Exemplars

People who already possess virtue and are worthy of being emulated.

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Habituation

Repeating virtuous actions until they become part of one's character (habit).

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Eudaimonistic Life

A life dedicated to striving, achieving goals, and developing one's potential.

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Human Flourishing

The process of achieving one's full potential and living a meaningful life

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Motivation for Virtue

The desire to attain eudaimonia (a flourishing life) by developing virtues.

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Developing Virtue

Becoming virtuous through emulation and repetition, enabling a fulfillment of one's potential.

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Virtue

A moral excellence or good character trait that enables someone to act properly.

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Proper Functioning (Aristotle)

The idea that things are good when they perform their specific roles effectively.

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Rational Animal

A description of humans, indicating our capacity for reason and thought as a part of our nature.

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Social Animal

A concept that humans have a natural inclination to bond with others through community.

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Natural Law Theory

A moral theory that suggests God created humans with knowledge of what is good.

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Fixed Nature (Aristotle)

The concept that humans have an inherent, unchanging essence, and to flourish, you must follow this essence.

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Study Notes

Virtue Theory

  • Focuses on character rather than rules
  • Aims for eudaimonia (flourishing)
  • Virtue is the midpoint between vices (excess and deficiency, the Golden Mean)
  • Courage is the midpoint between cowardice and recklessness
  • Generosity is the midpoint between stinginess and extravagance

Natural Law Theory

  • God's eternal law imprinted on rational creatures
  • Natural law is the rational creature's participation in eternal law
  • Humans have natural inclinations/tendencies that reveal God's plan for them
  • Key inclinations: self-preservation, procreation, knowledge, living in community
  • Human actions are good if they're in line with these natural inclinations; bad if not
  • This system is crucial for understanding how to live in a morally sound way

Moral Exemplars

  • People who demonstrate virtuous behavior can be used as models
  • Learning from those considered virtuous is crucial for personal growth and understanding.

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Virtue and Natural Law Theories PDF

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