Ethics Exam Essays
Ethics Review #2
1)Give the complete definition Aristotle offers of eudaimonia?
EUDAIMONIA MEANS HAPPINESS/ FLOURISHING DEFINED AS AN ACTIVITY OF THE SOUL IN ACCORDANCE WITH COMPLETE VIRTUE WITH ADEQUATE EXTERNAL GOODS IN A COMPLETE LIFE
This involves one’s life as a whole and consists in action in accord with reason Eudaimonia is not achieved through pleasure, wealth, honor or even virtue on its own.
What is an external good? Are external goods necessary or sufficient for happiness?
While internal goods are more important, adequate external goods are necessary but not sufficient condition for eudaimonia. External goods from Aristotle’s view include good birth, sufficient wealth and friends. These external goods enable a person to practice complete virtue, because in many practices we use wealth (generosity), friends and political power (justice). Aristotle also includes good birth, good children and even outer beauty. Claiming that we cannot have the character of happiness if we look repulsive, we are childless, ill-born or live in solidarity. (Book one chapter 8)
Is virtue necessary or sufficient for happiness?
Happiness depends primarily on character and action in accordance with complete virtue, it is not something we can passively receive from other people or external circumstances and good fortune. it is Aristotle’s view that virtue is necessary but not sufficient for eudaimonia. Virtue alone cannot bring happiness because someone who suffers the worst evils and has no friends or external goods would not be considered happy by any means besides idealistic philosophy
What is the most important aspect of happiness? Why? What kind of activities is Aristotle referring to?
3 different types of activity 1. Activity done for it’s own sake 2. Activity only done for the sake of an end 3. Activity both for it’s own sake and for the sake of an end
Happiness is the highest goal because it is complete in it’s self, done for it’s own sake.
2)
1)Give the complete definition Aristotle offers of eudaimonia?
EUDAIMONIA MEANS HAPPINESS/ FLOURISHING DEFINED AS AN ACTIVITY OF THE SOUL IN ACCORDANCE WITH COMPLETE VIRTUE WITH ADEQUATE EXTERNAL GOODS IN A COMPLETE LIFE
This involves one’s life as a whole and consists in action in accord with reason Eudaimonia is not achieved through pleasure, wealth, honor or even virtue on its own.
What is an external good? Are external goods necessary or sufficient for happiness?
While internal goods are more important, adequate external goods are necessary but not sufficient condition for eudaimonia. External goods from Aristotle’s view include good birth, sufficient wealth and friends. These external goods enable a person to practice complete virtue, because in many practices we use wealth (generosity), friends and political power (justice). Aristotle also includes good birth, good children and even outer beauty. Claiming that we cannot have the character of happiness if we look repulsive, we are childless, ill-born or live in solidarity. (Book one chapter 8)
Is virtue necessary or sufficient for happiness?
Happiness depends primarily on character and action in accordance with complete virtue, it is not something we can passively receive from other people or external circumstances and good fortune. it is Aristotle’s view that virtue is necessary but not sufficient for eudaimonia. Virtue alone cannot bring happiness because someone who suffers the worst evils and has no friends or external goods would not be considered happy by any means besides idealistic philosophy
What is the most important aspect of happiness? Why? What kind of activities is Aristotle referring to?
3 different types of activity 1. Activity done for it’s own sake 2. Activity only done for the sake of an end 3. Activity both for it’s own sake and for the sake of an end
Happiness is the highest goal because it is complete in it’s self, done for it’s own sake.
2)