Philosophy: Aristotle's Function Argument

Questions and Answers

What does Aristotle identify as the function of a human being?

To feel emotions deeply

To accumulate knowledge

To enjoy life through pleasure

To reason and act on reasons (correct)

According to Aristotle, what is necessary for something to be considered good?

It is aesthetically pleasing

It fulfills its function or telos (correct)

It lasts a long time

It is popular among the masses

What analogy does Aristotle use to explain the function of a human being?

The function of a book conveying information

The function of a car and its components (correct)

The function of a tree producing oxygen

The function of a clock telling time

What is the telos of a human being, according to Aristotle?

To reason Signup and view all the answers

What philosophical stance may make Aristotle's notion of a true function seem odd to some?

A religious worldview Signup and view all the answers

In Aristotle's view, how do we achieve the good life?

By acting in accordance with our telos Signup and view all the answers

What does Aristotle imply about the components of human existence?

They contribute to a unified function of the whole person Signup and view all the answers

Which feature, according to Aristotle, differentiates humans from other animals?

The capacity for reasoning and acting on that reasoning Signup and view all the answers

What does the Golden Mean suggest about virtuous actions?

They can encompass both extremes of behavior. Signup and view all the answers

How does Aristotle view the assessment of a person's character?

In light of their general character over time. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pairs contrasts a vice of deficiency with its corresponding virtue and vice of excess?

Buffoonery - Wittiness - Boorishness Signup and view all the answers

According to Aristotle, what is the nature of virtues?

They are consistent characteristic dispositions. Signup and view all the answers

What essence does the quote attributed to Will Durrant convey about excellence?

Excellence is a habit formed through repetition. Signup and view all the answers

When is an action likely to be deemed rash according to the understanding of virtue?

When it is executed without careful judgment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aspect that distinguishes a virtuous action from a vicious one?

The reasoning and intent behind the action. Signup and view all the answers

What does Aristotle suggest is necessary for developing virtuous character traits?

Repeated actions over a lifetime Signup and view all the answers

What does Aristotle imply about someone who acts generously only once?

Their character should not be judged solely on that act. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of practical wisdom (phronesis) enable a person to do?

Identify the best course of action in specific situations. Signup and view all the answers

According to Aristotle, which of the following is true about single acts of virtue?

They are insignificant in developing virtue. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Golden Mean play in Aristotle's Virtue Ethics?

It indicates the aim of an action by revealing virtuous characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

Why might practical wisdom be considered the most important virtuous disposition according to Aristotle?

It is foundational for practicing other virtues effectively. Signup and view all the answers

What is a misconception about becoming virtuous that Aristotle addresses?

Virtue can be learned quickly. Signup and view all the answers

How does Aristotle relate skill development to virtuous character?

Skill contributes to a consistent display of virtues over time. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the outcome of developing practical wisdom?

Improvement in recognizing virtuous ways to respond to life situations. Signup and view all the answers

What is described as the way individuals can learn about virtue?

Through observing and emulating virtuous individuals Signup and view all the answers

How does Aristotle classify actions in terms of moral responsibility?

Voluntary and Involuntary actions Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can make an action involuntary according to Aristotle?

Being unaware of the consequences of one's actions Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a voluntary action from an involuntary action?

Voluntary actions are freely chosen with no external coercion Signup and view all the answers

What role do 'virtue apprentices' play in developing practical wisdom?

They learn from observing and practicing with more virtuous individuals Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best represents an involuntary action?

An individual acts under the influence of a drug Signup and view all the answers

In the context of moral responsibility, which statement about voluntary actions is true?

Voluntary actions reflect the agent's intentions and choices Signup and view all the answers

What does the example of Reuben in the car illustrate?

How physical force can affect moral responsibility Signup and view all the answers

What factors can lead to an action being classified as involuntary according to Aristotle?

External physical force and ignorance Signup and view all the answers

In the scenario with David, what made his action involuntary?

He was threatened by armed thieves Signup and view all the answers

Why is Rhys not held morally responsible for the distress he caused at the concert?

He did not know his friend disliked the song Signup and view all the answers

How does Aristotle differentiate between ignorance that leads to involuntary actions and other forms of ignorance?

Not all ignorance prevents moral responsibility Signup and view all the answers

What type of ignorance led to Laurence's action of climbing a traffic light?

Ignorance due to intoxication Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason Aristotle would argue that David is not morally responsible for his action?

He acted under extreme psychological pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of actions from ignorance that Aristotle would agree with?

They can absolve a person of moral responsibility if certain criteria are met Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of Rhys's ignorance regarding his friend's feelings towards Barry Manilow?

He is not considered morally responsible for the upset caused Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aristotle's Function Argument

All objects possess a purpose or telos.
An object is deemed good when it effectively fulfills its telos.
For human beings, the telos is the capacity to reason.
Goodness for humans is found in acting in accordance with reason.
Unique trait that differentiates humans from animals is the ability to reason and act on reasoning.
Just as every part of an object has a function, so too does humanity as a whole have a distinct purpose.

Aristotelian Goodness and Virtue

The good life is achieved by acting in line with one's telos.
Virtues are characterized as dispositional responses that define individual character.
The Golden Mean suggests that virtue is not about moderation but finding balance between excess and deficiency.
Virtues need to be viewed in situational contexts, acknowledging varying responses in different circumstances.

Virtuous Situations

Social conduct ranges from cantankerousness (deficiency) to self-serving flattery (excess), with friendliness as the mean.
Conversation varies from boorishness (deficiency) to buffoonery (excess), with wittiness as the mean.
Giving money is considered stingy (deficiency) at one end and profligacy (excess) at the other, with generosity marking the virtuous mean.

Character Development and Habituation

Virtue is a habit formed over time; excellence is not obtained overnight.
Practicing virtues requires consistent actions, reinforcing the idea that becoming virtuous is a lifelong commitment.
Appropriate responses in typical situations stem from developed skills rather than mere reaction.

Practical Wisdom (Phronesis)

Practical wisdom is essential for discernment in achieving virtue in various situations.
It helps individuals determine what constitutes courageous or generous behavior.
Learning from virtuous individuals enhances one's practical wisdom and virtue.

Voluntary and Involuntary Actions

Actions are categorized as voluntary (freely chosen) or involuntary (not freely chosen).
Morally responsible actions are typically those that are voluntary.
An action is involuntary if influenced by external force or ignorance.

Examples of Involuntary Actions

Physical Force: A passenger forces a driver to turn the steering wheel, making the driver involuntarily responsible for the resulting accident.
Psychological Force: Under threat of violence, an individual may act in a way that is considered involuntary due to coercive pressure.
Action from Ignorance: An individual inadvertently offends someone due to unawareness of changing circumstances; they bear no moral responsibility in such cases.

Important Distinctions

Not all ignorance leads to involuntary action; genuine ignorance must be clearly defined to establish moral responsibility.
Actions motivated by temporary ignorance, such as those under the influence of substances, do not exempt one from moral responsibility.

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Description

Explore Aristotle's views on purpose and goodness through his function argument. Understand how reasoning defines humanity's telos and virtues that lead to a good life, emphasizing the Golden Mean. Delve into the nature of virtue in various situational contexts.