WEEK 4

VIRTUE ETHICS: ARISTOTLE

BSA-1C

Reporters:
Amog, Ana Margaret T.
Arellano, Nicole Antonette U.
Guttan, Dianica Shane B.
Flow:
I. Prayer
II. Energizer
III. Ethics as the art of living well
IV. Eudaemonia
V. The soul, virtue, the mean and practical wisdom
VI. The principal virtues and vices
VII. Difference between moral virtue and intellectual virtue
VIII. Conclusion
IX. Sharing of thoughts / learnings

ETHICS AS THE ART OF LIVING WELL

In the expansive domain of philosophy, ethics serves as a foundational exploration, delving into the
nuances of morality. Saint Thomas Aquinas encapsulates morality as the qualitative evaluation of human
actions, providing a discerning lens to distinguish between the virtuous and the flawed. The intriguing
concept of the “art of living” prompts a fundamental question: “How should one live?” It implies a
meticulous approach to skillfully enriching life for a more pleasant existence, intricately weaving
happiness into the fabric of mastering this art. The emphasis lies on continual learning and practice,
integral components fostering the development of this life-enriching skill.
Across diverse contexts and timeframes, various groups contribute to distinct life-forms,
encompassing both the pleasant and the unpleasant. These life-forms are observed through the lens of
happiness, shaping the contours of good and pleasant lives. Aristotle’s enduring influence in Western
thought aligns the ethical life with happiness, a philosophical resonance echoing through subsequent
schools of thought. Aristotle’s assertion that happiness is the ultimate good raises a profound question:
“How can one attain the highest echelon of happiness?” This inquiry becomes a profound exploration into
the trajectory of leading a joyous life and, consequently, a morally upright and fulfilling one. The pursuit
of happiness, intricately linked with ethical considerations, becomes a poignant theme weaving through
the philosophical fabric of this discourse.
EUDAEMONIA
In Aristotle’s philosophical framework, eudaimonia represents the highest good, denoting a life ‘well
lived.’ While commonly translated as ‘happiness,’ eudaimonia, for Aristotle, is achieved through virtuous
living, emphasizing morally good actions even if immediate happiness isn’t assured. Virtue, embodying
moral excellence, aligns actions with purpose, as seen in a virtuous carpenter’s proficiency in artistic
skills and patience.
The eudaimon life expands beyond individual virtues, encompassing the development of human
excellences like courage, wisdom, and kindness. Despite contemporary associations of flourishing with
success and health, Aristotle maintains a connection between virtue and eudaimonia, acknowledging
external factors’ influence, such as wealth. Aristotle’s insights highlight the ethical importance of
considering actions’ impact on others’ flourishing, striving to eliminate barriers to flourishing, and
recognizing that virtuous living, while not a guarantee of success, remains central to a meaningful life.

THE SOUL, VIRTUE, THE MEAN AND PRACTICAL WISDOM

In philosophical discourse, the exploration of the soul stands as a fundamental theme, intricately
interwoven with discussions on virtue, the mean, and practical wisdom. This exploration unfolds in a
structured manner, beginning with an introduction that highlights the centrality of the soul in
philosophical inquiry and its profound connection with virtue, the mean, and practical wisdom.
Delving into the concept of the soul, Plato’s influential Tripartite Soul framework emerges, delineating
the rational, spirited, and appetitive elements. Aristotle further contributes to this discourse, viewing the
soul as the form of the body, adding depth and nuance to the understanding of this core philosophical
entity. Virtue, a critical aspect of ethical considerations, is meticulously examined. Aristotle’s Virtue
Ethics takes center stage, defining virtue and introducing the concept of eudaimonia, providing a
foundation for modern perspectives to build upon this ethical framework. The exploration extends to the
concept of the mean, where Aristotle’s emphasis on finding balance between excess and deficiency in
ethical decision-making is elucidated. Practical examples are employed to illustrate the practical
application of this principle in navigating ethical dilemmas. Practical wisdom, or Phronesis, emerges as a
key virtue in ethical discussions. Aristotle underscores its importance and its contemporary relevance in
navigating complex ethical terrain. Practical wisdom’s application in resolving ethical dilemmas is
explored, emphasizing its significance in ethical decision-making.
Synthesizing these concepts, the interplay between the soul, virtue, the mean, and practical wisdom is
examined. The cohesive ethical framework that emerges from this interplay is highlighted, showcasing
how each concept uniquely contributes to the understanding of ethical behavior. In essence, this
exploration serves as a comprehensive journey through the core tenets of philosophical thought, providing
insights into the complex tapestry of the soul and its implications for ethical living.

THE PRINCIPAL VIRTUES AND VICES

Aristotle provides a thorough framework for comprehending human flourishing and the part ethical
character plays in achieving it in his influential work, Nicomachean Ethics. This paradigm revolves
around the ideas of virtue (arete) and vice (kakia). To put it another way, virtue is the deeply entrenched
habit of making the right decision, guided by moderation and reason. According to Aristotle, virtue is “a
disposition of the mind, concerned with choices, lying in a mean relative to us, and determined by reason
as the prudent person would determine it.” On the other hand, vices are ingrained inclinations toward
excess or deficiency in these decisions, which result in unfavorable consequences.
Principal Virtues
Aristotle distinguished between moral and intellectual qualities as the two primary categories.
Intellectual virtues are acquired via practice and education and have to do with our capacity for thought.
Phronesis, or practical wisdom, is the primary intellectual virtue that enables us to see the good
circumstances and take appropriate action.
Conversely, moral qualities are focused on our feelings and desires. They are acquired via practice and
habit, frequently in social settings. Eleven moral virtues that Aristotle classified into three major groups:
• Intellectual virtues: Phronesis (practical wisdom)
• Moral virtues related to character:
 Courage (andreia): Facing fear and danger with reason and moderation.
 Temperance (sophrosyne): Moderating desires and pleasures.
 Liberality (eleutherios): Giving and receiving wealth and honors appropriately.
 Magnanimity (megalopsychia): Having a proper sense of one’s own worth.
 Good temper (eupraxia): Controlling anger and temper.
• Moral virtues related to social interaction:
 Truthfulness (aletheidia): Speaking and acting truthfully.
 Friendliness (philia): Engaging in positive social relationships.
 Wit (eutrapēlia): Engaging in playful humor appropriately.
 Modesty (aideis): Having a healthy sense of shame and respect for others.
 Justice (dikaiosynē): Giving everyone what is due.
Principal of Vices
Each virtue has a corresponding vice, which stands for an excess or shortcoming in the activity
selected. For instance, rashness is a lack of fear that results in recklessness, but cowardice is a sin that
causes one to avoid danger by acting too fearfully. In the same way, insensibility is a lack of enjoyment
that results in indifference, whereas intemperance is an excess of indulgence in pleasures. One of the
crucial aspects of Aristotelian ethics is the concept of the “golden mean” (mesotes). Each virtue lies in a
middle ground between two extremes, both of which are considered vices. Finding this mean is not a
fixed point but rather a context-dependent judgment guided by practical wisdom. For example, the
appropriate level of courage might vary depending on the specific danger faced.
Aristotle’s exploration of principal virtues and vices provides a valuable foundation for understanding
ethical character and its role in living a good life. While the specific interpretations and applications of his
framework may evolve over time, the core principles of moderation, practical wisdom, and striving for
the mean remain relevant and insightful for contemporary discussions on ethics and human well-being.

References:
https://www.dlsu.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/pdf/conferences/research-congress-proceedings/2015/
TPHS/018TPH_Leoncini_DLP.pdf
https://ethics.org.au/ethics-explainer-eudaimonia/
https://youtu.be/yxSoWSc_-40?si=LdmWm9yfRZfUtA8U
https://youtu.be/N_mfEbPRhJw?si=ni6NbeG1sylJCak-
https://www.rep.routledge.com/articles/thematic/virtues-and-vices/v-2
https://academic.oup.com/book/2656/chapter-abstract/143080485?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false