Ethics Quiz - Three Perspectives

What are virtues? Who described them?

*Aristotle* described virtues as 'all the best qualities of what it means to be human' →virtuous actions will become habitual and engrained in our character

Define theoretical and practical reason.

*Theoretical reason* - how the laws of nature, cause and effect, govern human behaviour; therefore we can understand what people actually do *Practical reason* - moral dimension, guiding human behaviour. Humans act not only on impulse but also of conscious choice based on principles. Therefore, we can understand what we should do

Discuss Emmanuel Levinas' theory.

-Emmanuel Levinas' theory focusses on the theory of the face -Levinas is in search of is in search of the *good* which goes beyond the *being* -points us in the direction of our neighbour, not God

What are "traces"?

-Kant calls peoples unique traits *traces* of the good, or God →we only see traces of God, not in His entirety, because He is beyond us

Describe Kant's ethics.

-Kant stresses that the good is the aim of a moral life -his ethics are more individual →the inner convictions and autonomy of the individual

What is good will? Who described good will?

-Kant's ethics describe good will -a good will is the will to do our duty for no other reason than it is our *duty*

How does Kant determine the morality of an action?

-a human action is morally *good* when it is done for the sake of duty - real moral worth is motivated by duty instead of inclination ex. a kind act toward a friend is not a moral act, it becomes moral when you are kind to someone when you do not feel like being kind

What are Aristotle's thoughts on moderation?

-all things must be done in moderation in order to live and act well →moderation creates balance (ex. to be courageous is to avoid some but not all danger) →excesses usually result from uncontrolled desires, which bring negative consequences and do not contribute to a good life

Describe teleological ethics.

-comes from Greek word 'telos' -means having to do with the design or purpose of something →ex. a clock is made to keep time -seeking to understand the ultimate purpose/end result →what we intend to be

What are moral maxims?

-duty is determined by principles (*maxims*) according to which we act -principles must apply to everyone -an *ethical maxim* is one which every rational person would necessarily act if reason were fully in charge of their actions -principles tell us how we ought to act, but reason determines how this duty is universally applicable →you should act in a way that you want everyone else to act

What is the aim of life in Aristotle's eyes?

-every action and purpose aims at some good, therefore meaning that good/a supreme good is always the aim →an awareness of a supreme good helps us conduct our life because we are aware of what our ultimate aim is, allowing us to act accordingly -we are intended to be rational beings

Discuss the face as ethical.

-face is not of an authority figure, but of a defenceless stranger; this is when the face becomes ethical -humility an misery of the other appeals to you →ex. the face of the beggar demands that you recognize it and provide it hospitality; the face is a "please" →you are not forces to act, but asked to act -promotes freedom, allows you to tap into your goodness

Discuss the face as a witness to the good.

-face to face experiences call forth a "thrill of astonishment" - original moment of meaning -s/he is the *other*, calling you to not reduce their face to being the same as any other face

Compare Kant's and Levinas' understanding of "being".

-for Kant, the understanding of "being" seeks to name what things you have in common -Levinas disagrees, believing Kant's thoughts take away from the idea that each person is unique →Levinas believes the good is interested in what is unique about each person

What is happiness?

-happiness is the condition of a good person who succeeds in living well and acting well -a person is happy "*is and only if over some considerable period of time, that person frequently performs with some success the most perfect of typically human tasks*" →being an active citizen is an example of this quote

Discuss autonomy.

-values by Kant -making your own choices, become a law unto yourself

What are Aristotle's Twelve Virtues?

1. *Courage* - bravery and valour 2. *Temperance* - self control and restraint 3. *Liberality* - charity and generosity 4. *Magnificence* - radiance 5. *Pride* - self-satisfaction 6. *Honor* - respect, reverence, admiration 7. *Good Temper* - level headedness 8. *Friendliness* - sociability 9. *Truthfulness* - straightforwardness 10. *Wit* - sense of humour 11. *Friendship* - camaraderie and companionship 12. *Justice* - impartiality, even headedness, and fairness

What are the three areas of interest in Kant's ethics?

1. *God* - because humans cannot achieve supreme good out of their own power, we need god 2. *Freedom* - if humans are to achieve the supreme good, they must be able to choose it 3. *Immortality* - the supreme good that is impossible to attain completely in this life. Therefore, we need the next life, our immortal life

Which philosopher discussed the pursuit of happiness?

Aristotle

Which philosopher discusses happiness?

Aristotle

Who believed in teleological ethics?

Aristotle

What is Aristotle's aim?

Aristotle's aim is to look for that which allows humans to reach their full potential.

What does Aristotle's ethics state?

Aristotle's ethics state human that life is shaped to its full extent in the context of a community where citizens can find happiness →*happiness is not equated to personal pleasure*

What type of ethics did Immanuel Kant believe in?

Deontological ethics

How does Kant believe people should be treated?

Kant believed that people must be respected. They cannot be treated only as a means without regard to their dignity, but rather an end →Kant called this the *Kingdom of Ends*

How is moral duty measured?

Moral duty is measured not by the result of ones actions, but by the motive behind it. It is not a language of desires but of "oughts"

What does being ethical mean to Aristotle?

To be ethical is to engage our capacity to reason as we develop good character; that is the highest form of happiness.