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Intro to Ethics University of Arkansas

Terms in this set (24)

What is meant by calling something the highest good?
The highest good is the thing that is seen to be the thing valued most.
What is the difference between intrinsic and instrumental good?
Intrinsic good is something worthwhile not because it leads to something else, but for its own sake alone. Instrumental good is considered as a means to some other good; leads to something else that is good.
What is meant by calling a good "complete" and "self-sufficient"?
Not what suffices for a solitary person by himself, living an isolated life, but what suffices also for parents, children, wife and in general for friends and fellow-citizens, since a human being is a naturally political.
How does Aristotle define happiness? How does his account differ from our ordinary conception of happiness?
He believes that "happiness depends on ourselves." Depends on the cultivation of virtue. In order to have a fulfilled life with happiness, Aristotle suggest that there is a range of conditions, which include mental and physical well-being of a person. Life purpose and goal of Aristotle's.
What is the difference between objective and subjective well-being?
Subjective is associated with one's personal characteristics and features and Objective develops from the perspective of perception and one's evaluation of human society.
What are the three kinds of life that Aristotle thinks we'd all choose if we had a choice?
it must be desirable for itself, not desirable for the sake of some other good and all other goods are desirable for its sake
Which life does he identify as the only one that leads to happiness?
proper function consists in reasoning and in acting in accord with reason
What are the four dispositions that Aristotle identifies with reference to our moral behavior?
Vicious, incontinent, continent and virtuous.
How does Aristotle define human beings
They have a natural desire and capacity to know and understand the truth, to pursue moral excellence and to instantiate their ideals in the world through action.
What is the function of a human being?
3 parts of the soul: Vegetative: we share this with all organisms. Nutritive: we share this with other animals. Rational: we alone have this part.
Telos: Aim; purpose, function
Why does Aristotle think ethics is a practical science? How is a practical science different from a theoretical science?
Theoretical science is known, once you figure it you will be able to do it. Practical science knowing how to do it does not necessarily mean you'll be able to do it.
Why does Aristotle think that we cannot appraise a person as being happy until after they've died?
Our experience with ethics is ongoing. Have choices toward your behavior. Instead of choosing the vice, you choose to deliver kindness. It is a going project to become better or worse.
Can everyone be happy on Aristotle's view?
Two major groups that can't be happy. One... because that choose to not be happy and those that can't chose. Those that are born into extreme disease, violence/ poverty. They are solely focused on surviving.
On Aristotle, being virtuous involves an ongoing project of "doing the right thing, to the right person, at the right time and for the right reason". Every step of the project requires that we be free to choose virtue, rather than vice. Why is our being able to choose virtue important to Aristotle?
If it were something not in our control, actions are not blameworthy or praiseworthy. Choice is essential to our power to be good. Because it is our choice we are blameworthy when we have a choice.
What does Feldman mean by "disgusting happiness"?
It is a way that he is able to explain what happiness truly is. Opposing theories of happiness are explained and criticized and a new theory is presented and defended.
How does he define Eudaimonist theories?
Any theory that identifies happiness as the highest good.
On Feldman, what is the difference between a morally good life and a welfare-good life?
The morally good life is when the right action is done with inclination, not because of it, The welfare-good life is captured by asking a person how satisfied he/she is with their life.
What is Feldman's initial argument regarding disgusting happiness?
If eudaimonism is true, then JR lead a good life. Therefore, eudaimonism is not true.
Why does Feldman think that the initial argument contains an equivocation?
That the prudentially good life is for pleasure and the morally good life was quite enjoyable on the other hand.
When he sorts out the equivocation, giving us two arguments, what does each look like?
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What are the Eudaimonist theories that Feldman discusses?
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Do those theories employ the notion of a morally good life or a welfare-good life?
Good in the sense that you praise your own life for the good.
Does Feldman think disgusting happiness is a problem for eudaemonist theories? Why or why not?
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Does Feldman's account pose a problem for Aristotle's account of happiness? Why or why not?
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