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Study Questions for Final Exam: April 25, TC 104 Virtue, then, is a state of character concerned with choice, lying in a mean, i.e., the mean relative to us, this being determined by a rational principle, and by that principle by which the man of practical wisdom would determine it. Now it is a mean between two vices, that which depends on excess and that which depends on defect. . . (W.D. Ross translation) Write an expository essay in which you explain every clause in this passage. In the process of doing so, you should (among other things) mention what question this passage is an attempt to answer, explain the role played by practical wisdom, and given an example of a moral virtue with its accompanying excess and defect. (2) In Book II, chapter 3 of the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle says that “the whole concern both of virtue and of political science is with pleasures and pains; for the man who uses these well is good, he who uses them badly bad” (W.D. Ross translation). In Book X, Aristotle identifies two kinds of life that are worth living and argues that one is superior to the other; one of the reasons he gives for its superiority is that it is more pleasant. Write an essay in which you (a) explain why Aristotle makes the claim quoted from Book II, (b) explain whether (or not) the discussion in Book X supports a Utilitarian reading of Aristotle, (c) discuss the parts of Aristotle's theory that make it difficult to interpret him as a utilitarian, and (d) point out similarities and differences between Mill and Aristotle. Among other things, this essay will require you to give a summary of the ethical theories of both Aristotle and Mill. (3) In Book II, chapter 4 of the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle identifies three conditions under which virtuous actions must be done. These conditions may be understood as his
theory of how an act must be motivated in order for it to be virtuous. Write an essay in which you (a) identify each of these conditions; (b) explain each of them using examples; (c) compare and contrast
Aristotle’s views on motivation with Kant’s views and Mill’s views, and (d) explain who you think has the best account of motivation.
If you think none of them has an adequate account of motivation, you
may defend that view. Be sure to argue for and explain your position; examples often prove useful
in carrying out this task. (4) In Book X of the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle identifies two types of life that are worth living. What are they? Explain why Aristotle thinks they are worth living. Which does he say is the "higher" life? Why does he say it is higher? (There are several reasons.) Do you agree or disagree with his position on which type of life is higher? If you disagree, argue against his position. If you agree, defend his position against objections raised in class. (5) Reason and rational being are notions which have played important roles in the history of western philosophical thought. Compare and contrast the role played by these notions in the ethical work of Aristotle, Kant, and Mill. In other words, explain the role that reason or rational being plays in the ethical thought of each of the preceding thinkers, and point out any similarities or differences in the way they use these notions. (6) What are the conclusions defended by Judith Thomson in "A Defense of Abortion?" Do you think her reasoning strategy (case-based or analogical) is a useful approach to the issue? Do you think that the distinction between quantitative and qualitative hedonism sheds any light on discourse pertaining to abortion? Do you think that the distinction between act and rule utilitarianism sheds any light on this discourse? Do you think anything in the work of Kant or Aristotle sheds any light on discussions about abortion? Answer the preceding questions and defend your position. |