Module 4: Key Terms

Question 1

Virtue theory

Answer 1

ethical theory that emphasizes an individual’s character rather than following a set of rules

Question 2

What did aristotle and other virtue theorists think?

Answer 2

If we can just focus on being good people, the right actions will follow, effortlessly

Question 3

Proper Functioning

Answer 3

• everything has a function, and a thing is good to the extent that it fulfills its functions, and bad to the extent that it doesn’t

Question 4

Natural Law Theory

Answer 4

• is a system of law based on a close observation of human nature, and based on values intrinsic to human nature that can be deduced and applied independent of positive law
• According to natural law theory, all people have inherent rights, conferred not by act of legislation but by “God, nature, or reason

Question 5

What did Aristotle argue about?

Answer 5

• nature has built into us the desire to be virtuous

Question 6

Meaning of being virtuous?

Answer 6

• doing the right thing, at the right time, in the right way, in the right amount, toward the right people

Question 7

Meaning of being virtuous?

Answer 7

• doing the right thing, at the right time, in the right way, in the right amount, toward the right people

Question 8

VICE, VIRTUE, VICE

Answer 8

• sweet spot is in the middle is called GOLDEN MEANS (virtue)

Question 9

Aristotle’s definition of courage

Answer 9

• midpoint between extremes of cowardice and recklessness

- courage is finding the right way to act

Question 10

Aristotle’s meaning of honesty

Answer 10

• knowing how to deliver hard truths gracefully

- how to break bad news gently, or to offer criticism in a way that’s constructive, rather than soul-crushing

Question 11

What is virtue?

Answer 11

• a skill, a way of living, and that’s something that can only really be learned through experience
• practical wisdom (kinda like street smart)

Question 12

Aristotle’s thoughts on practical wisdom

Answer 12

• character is developed through habituation– if you do a virtuous thing over and over again, eventually it will become part of your character

Question 13

Virtue Theory

Answer 13

• should become virtuous because if you are, then you can attain the pinnacle of humanity so you can achieve “Eudaimonia”

Question 14

Eudaimonia

Answer 14

a life well lived, human flourishing

Question 15

Life of Eudaimonia

Answer 15

• life of striving, pushing urself to ur limits, finding success
• eudaimonistic life = full of happiness that comes from achieving something really difficult, rather than just having it handed to you
• never satsified cus constantly making new goals, etc
• will face disappointments and failures
• sweet pleasure of sinking into bed at the end of tiring day cus satisfaction of knowing youve accomplished a lot and pushed yourself to be the very best person you could be

Question 16

Aristotle’s morality

Answer 16

• being the best person you can personally be, honing ur strengths while working on ur weaknesses
• do good things