1. 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

2. 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.

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

4. 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.

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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

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

10. 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