Aristotle – Virtue Theory Starter – Disentanglement – identify the parts that are or might be Aristotilean. Reading – Puzzle of Ethics p34-35 Higher Reading – MacIntyre p94 Bring this next lesson LO s To recap knowledge about the life and works of Aristotle   To explore his contribution to moral theories To consider virtue theory including the notions of eudaimonia, moral and intellectual virtues

Aristotle Disagreed with Plato’s Forms Believed that you could acquire the ability to be moral. This acquisition of knowledge rather than innate knowledge is known as a posteriori.

Aristotle Ethics is its own discipline Practical application of reason Humans are searching for highest good.

Eudaimonia Highest good is Eudaimonia or happiness. This is a good that is 1) Desirable for itself, 2) Not desirable for other Goods 3) The thing that gives meaning to all other virtues.

Eudaimonia Everyone can reach this highest good, but it requires a good upbringing, good looks, wealth. Both inclusive and elitist.

Virtue Theory So how does one reach this? Each circumstance is complicated and must be reasoned according to virtues. Aristotle says virtues in life are fairly obvious. He splits them into intellectual and moral.

Virtue Theory These are all rough outlines to be filled in later. Moral virtues are irrational and are acquired through habit. Intellectual virtues are rational and Acquired through instruction.

Doctrine of Mean To act morally, is to find the mean between deficiency and excess, which is where virtue lies. Reason helps this decision. If you act virtuously you are moral. Aristotle admits this is difficult. He prescribes the virtues but not what to do in each situation. All he says is virtue is kalon - beautiful.

Summary Reason – developed. Can include emotions/feelings… Eudaimonia A posteriori Inlcusive/elitist Moral and Intellectual Virtues Mean is beautiful

Moral Virtues – Examples Vice of Deficiency Virtuous Mean Vice of Excess Cowardice Courage Rashness Insensibility Temperance Intemperance Illiberality Liberality Prodigality Pettiness Munificence Vulgarity Humble-mindedness High-mindedness Vaingloriness Want of Ambition Right Ambition Over-ambition Spiritlessness Good Temper Irascibility Surliness Friendly Civility Obsequiousness Ironical Depreciation Sincerity Boastfulness Boorishness Wittiness Buffoonery Shamelessness Modesty Bashfulness Callousness Just Resentment Spitefulness