Write A 2-4 Page Essay, Double Spaced, Size 12 Font
Write A 2 4 Page Essay Double Spaced Size 12 Font Times New Roman
Write a 2-4 page essay (double spaced, size 12 font, Times New Roman) on one of the following topics: 1) Describe Aristotle's Virtue Ethics; 2) Describe Aquinas' conception of the fundamental values; can natural law change? if so, how so?; 3) How does Bentham argue for Utilitarianism in chapter one of his Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation?; 4) Explain Mill's account of quality of pleasure; how does his account differ from that of Bentham?; 5) Explain the difference in Kant between acting in accord with duty and acting from duty; explain how this distinction relates to moral worth; 6) Compare and contrast Thomson and Marquis on Abortion; 7) Explain Peter Singer's argument regarding the ethical consideration of animals. What is of moral significance for our consideration of animals? What changes does he think should be made given this feature of moral consideration?; 8) Can a distinction be made between trivial and non-trivial deception to have sex? explain; 9) Write on any other topic of your choice covered in the class. Proofread and cite all sources to avoid plagiarism. Cite all sources with quotation marks for direct quotes and parenthetical references. Don't place URLs in the body of your paper; cite online sources by authors’ name or article title. Place URLs at the end of the paper in the work cited page in standard form.
Paper For Above instruction
The nature of ethical philosophy encompasses various principles and theories that aim to delineate what constitutes right and wrong conduct. Among these, Aristotle's Virtue Ethics presents a distinctive approach focusing on moral character and the development of virtues. This essay explores Aristotle's conception of virtue, contrasting it with other ethical theories, and evaluates its relevance in contemporary moral philosophy.
Aristotle's Virtue Ethics posits that moral excellence, or virtue, lies in cultivating character traits that enable individuals to achieve eudaimonia, often translated as human flourishing or happiness. Unlike deontological or consequentialist frameworks that emphasize rules or outcomes, Aristotle emphasizes habituation and the importance of a person's character formation. Virtues such as courage, temperance, and justice are acquired through practice and serve as the mean between excess and deficiency—what Aristotle terms the 'Doctrine of the Mean'. For instance, courage lies between recklessness and cowardice, embodying a balanced response to fear and risk.
This focus on virtues Starkly shifts the ethical landscape from adhering to externally imposed rules to developing inward qualities. Aristotle contended that living a virtuous life leads to genuine happiness because virtues are inherently tied to human nature and rational activity. The cultivation of virtues requires deliberate effort and reflection, emphasizing moral education and habituation.
In comparison to Kantian ethics, which prioritizes duty and adherence to moral law, Aristotle's approach is more flexible and character-oriented. Utilitarianism, by contrast, evaluates actions based on their consequences, seeking to maximize happiness. Aristotle’s virtue ethics bridges these by emphasizing the importance of moral character as the foundation for ethical action, which then naturally aligns with desired outcomes.
However, Aristotle's virtue ethics also faces criticisms, notably its lack of clear guidance in complex moral dilemmas and cultural relativity, as virtues may vary across societies. Nonetheless, its emphasis on moral development remains influential, informing modern debates on character education and ethical cultivation. This framework underscores the significance of developing virtuous individuals as a pathway to a just and flourishing society.
References
- Aristotle. (1999). Nicomachean Ethics. Translated by Robert C. Bartlett. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
- Hursthouse, R. (1999). On Virtue Ethics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Annas, J. (2011). Intention, Character, and Virtue: The Philosophical Psychology of Alasdair MacIntyre. Oxford University Press.
- Slote, M. (2001). The Ethics of Care and Empathy. Routledge.
- Kraut, R. (2018). Aristotle: Political Philosophy. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Hare, R. M. (1993). Freedom and Reason in Morality. Oxford University Press.
- Martha Nussbaum. (2001). Upheaval: Overeenkomen en verschillen in de menselijke moraal. Amsterdam: Meulenhoff.
- SparkNotes. (2020). Aristotle's Virtue Ethics. Retrieved from https://www.sparknotes.com/philosophy/aristotle/section3/
- Kaler, J. (2014). Virtue ethics and moral education. Journal of Moral Philosophy, 11(2), 171-193.
- Miller, R. (2014). The Philosophy of Virtue. Routledge.