1. What are three differences between Plato and Aristotle; be sure they are three distinct differences 2. Explain the main features of Aristotle’s virtue ethics – be thorough and specific, both about individual features and the theory generally (this should be a fairly substantial response) 3. What are Aquinas’ five ways - identify and spell out the steps of each, the full line of reasoning for each 4. Why does Aquinas offer five different arguments for the existence of God, explain; say quite a bit and with some detail
Q 1. What are three differences between Plato and Aristotle; be sure they are three distinct differences?
Ans. Plato and Aristotle are two of the most important and influential philosophers in the Western tradition. Although they both studied under the same teacher, Socrates, they had many differences in their philosophical views. Here are three distinct differences between Plato and Aristotle:
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Metaphysics: Plato's philosophy is more metaphysical and otherworldly, while Aristotle's is more grounded in the physical world. Plato believed that the physical world is merely a shadow or reflection of the true reality, which exists in an abstract realm of ideal Forms. Aristotle, on the other hand, believed that the physical world is the only reality and that everything can be explained in terms of matter and form.
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Epistemology: Plato believed that knowledge is innate, and that we can access it through a process of recollection, while Aristotle believed that knowledge is acquired through experience and observation. Plato thought that the human soul existed before birth and that we can access knowledge through a process of remembering what we already knew. Aristotle, on the other hand, believed that knowledge is gained through the accumulation of empirical evidence and the use of reason.
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Ethics: Plato and Aristotle had different views on the nature of ethics and the good life. Plato believed that the highest good is the attainment of knowledge, and that the good life is one that is devoted to the pursuit of truth and wisdom. Aristotle, on the other hand, believed that the highest good is happiness, and that the good life is one that is characterized by the pursuit of pleasure and the exercise of virtue.
These are just a few examples of the many differences between Plato and Aristotle. Although they had different views on many topics, their ideas have had a profound influence on Western philosophy and continue to be studied and debated by scholars today.
Q 2. Explain the main features of Aristotle’s virtue ethics – be thorough and specific, both about individual features and the theory generally (this should be a fairly substantial response)
Ans.
Aristotle's virtue ethics is a moral theory that emphasizes the development of virtuous character traits as the key to ethical living. According to Aristotle, a virtuous person is one who has cultivated habits of thinking and behavior that enable them to act in accordance with the highest human good. In this response, I will outline the main features of Aristotle's virtue ethics in detail.
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Teleology: Aristotle's virtue ethics is a teleological theory, which means that it is concerned with the ultimate goal or end of human life. According to Aristotle, the highest goal of human life is eudaimonia, or human flourishing. Eudaimonia is achieved through the cultivation of virtuous character traits, which enable individuals to live in accordance with reason and the natural order of things.
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Virtue: The key concept in Aristotle's virtue ethics is the idea of virtue. Virtue is a habit or disposition that enables an individual to act in accordance with reason and the natural order of things. Aristotle distinguishes between moral virtues, which are habits of action, and intellectual virtues, which are habits of thought. Moral virtues include traits such as courage, justice, and generosity, while intellectual virtues include traits such as wisdom, understanding, and practical intelligence.
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The Doctrine of the Mean: Aristotle's virtue ethics is often associated with the doctrine of the mean, which holds that virtuous behavior lies in the middle ground between two extremes. For example, the virtue of courage lies between the extremes of cowardice and recklessness. The mean is not a fixed point, but rather a range of behaviors that are appropriate in different circumstances. Finding the mean requires practical wisdom, which is the ability to apply general principles to specific situations.
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Emphasis on Character: Aristotle's virtue ethics places a strong emphasis on the development of virtuous character. Virtue is not a matter of following rules or principles, but rather a matter of cultivating the right habits of thought and behavior. Character is developed through practice and repetition, and virtuous behavior becomes second nature through the development of virtuous habits.
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Importance of Community: Aristotle's virtue ethics emphasizes the importance of community in the development of virtuous character. Virtuous behavior is not something that can be achieved in isolation, but rather something that is learned and practiced in the context of social relationships. The community provides a model of virtuous behavior and a source of feedback and guidance in the development of character.
In summary, Aristotle's virtue ethics is a moral theory that emphasizes the development of virtuous character traits as the key to ethical living. Virtue is a habit or disposition that enables individuals to act in accordance with reason and the natural order of things. The theory is teleological, emphasizing the ultimate goal of eudaimonia, and emphasizes the importance of finding the mean between two extremes. The development of virtuous character is seen as the result of practice and repetition, and is best achieved in the context of a supportive community.
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