Aristotle – Virtue Ethics

• Starter – reminder of the doctrine of the mean, vice, virtues and deficiencies

• Ext – A few examples

• HWK – Michael Slote article

• LO s • To deepen understanding

of the traditional formulation of virtue ethics including eudaimonism

• To consider what is meant by Aristotilean concepts such as the golden mean and eudaimonia

Golden Mean

• “Excess is error…deficiency is a fault…mean is successful.”

• Aristotle refers to ‘cardinal virtues’ – justice, prudence (being careful), temperance (moderation) and fortitude (courage in adversity).

• In pairs, come up with examples for the golden mean in the following situations…internet trolls, use of pornography, bankers bonuses, fair trade food

Aristotle• Loved notions of

friendship and kindness but also held Greek heroism in high regard.

• Virtue ethics teleological as the purpose of reason is to act virtuously and therefore achieve eudaimonia or flourishing happiness

Aristotle

• Eudaimonia is achievable by anyone but more likely for the wealthy, good looking, educated contemplators.

• It is not selfish as one would wish eudaimonia for loved friends and family.

Aristotle

• “The good for human beings is an activity of the soul in accordance with arête (virtue).”

• Rational theory – reason discovers virtue.

• As above – to act virtuously leads to a better, happier life.

Aristotle - Crits• Virtue might not lead to

happiness (self-sacrifice).• Sentimentalists

(Hume/Anscombe) vs Eudaimonists (Aristotle).

• Virtue Ethics very popular today is not Aristotle’s. Either Humean or Neo-Aristotilean.

Aristotle the Headmaster• Aristotle is the Headmaster

at the school. He is having a conversation with student x about expelling them for bullying. Write the script for the conversation, trying to including key themes and terms. What do you think he would do/say?

• Ext – Include one direct quote