Name: RAJ B.

TAMPOS Course: MAED-AS Date: 02/16/24 Score: _________

Please answer the following:

A. What is Aristotle’s virtue ethics all about?

B. Discuss Aristotle’s “golden mean”?
C. In his theory, what is the true meaning of happiness and how one can attain it?
Discuss Aristotle's idea on Happiness along with his concept of virtue.

ANSWERS:

A. Aristotle's virtue ethics centers on the notion that leading a fulfilling life
hinge on nurturing virtues rather than rigidly adhering to moral regulations.
At its essence lies the concept of eudaimonia, often translated as "human
flourishing." Aristotle contends that attaining eudaimonia involves living
virtuously and aligning actions with reason. Virtues like courage, justice,
temperance, and wisdom are pivotal in this ethical framework,
representing habits of character that steer clear of extremes—finding a
balance between deficiency and excess. Aristotle underscores that virtues
are honed through practice and routine, shaping one's moral disposition.
The role of reason, particularly practical wisdom, is pivotal as it assists
individuals in applying virtues judiciously to real-world scenarios, considering
their context and nuances. Aristotle posited that by fulfilling our potential as
rational and social beings and by nurturing virtues in pursuit of our telos or
purpose, we can achieve eudaimonia and lead a deeply gratifying
existence.

B. A central tenet of Aristotle's virtue ethics is his concept of the "golden

mean," which suggests that moral virtues are situated at a harmonious
midpoint between two extremes. This principle asserts that virtues, referred
to as the "mean," exist between deficiencies and excesses. For example,
courage, classified as a virtue, lies between the deficiency of cowardice
and the excess of recklessness. The golden mean does not advocate for
mediocrity; rather, it advocates for a balanced and virtuous approach to
ethical conduct. It emphasizes that the morally correct action is context-
dependent and varies for each individual, requiring thoughtful
consideration of circumstances guided by reason and practical wisdom.
The golden mean highlights the significance of moderation and equilibrium
in cultivating virtuous character traits, emphasizing that ethical excellence
entails finding the appropriate balance between extremes, tailoring ethical
behavior to suit specific situations, and avoiding both excessive and
deficient behavior.

C. Aristotle's understanding of happiness, known as eudaimonia, holds a

central position within his ethical framework and contrasts markedly with
contemporary notions of fleeting pleasure or emotional states. According
to Aristotle, happiness represents the ultimate goal of human life,
encompassing a profound sense of flourishing and fulfillment achieved
through the actualization of one's potential. Unlike transient emotions,
eudaimonia is viewed as a state of being resulting from leading a virtuous
and purpose-driven life. Aristotle associate’s happiness with the cultivation
of virtues, viewing virtues as fundamental elements of a flourishing
existence. Virtues such as courage, justice, temperance, and wisdom are
regarded as character traits that empower individuals to navigate life in a
balanced and virtuous manner. Aristotle proposes that by habituating
oneself to act virtuously and find the mean between extremes—a concept
he refers to as the doctrine of the mean—one can cultivate a virtuous
character. This virtuous character, guided by reason and practical wisdom,
serves as the pathway to attaining eudaimonia. Ultimately, Aristotle
contends that genuine happiness is not found in material wealth, pleasure,
or external achievements but rather in the practice of virtues, which leads
to a life characterized by ethical excellence and personal fulfillment.