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Aristotle Kant Aquinas and Utilitarian Ethics Overview
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1
Question
What is the main focus of Aristotle's ethics according to the study guide?
Page 1
Answer
Aristotle's ethics focus on human flourishing (eudaimonia) through the cultivation of virtues and living in accordance with reason.
2
Question
How does Aquinas modify Aristotle's ethics?
Page 1
Answer
Aquinas integrates Aristotle's virtues with Christian theology, emphasizing the vision of the Divine Essence as the ultimate end beyond natural flourishing.
3
Question
What is the basis of Kant's ethics?
Page 1
Answer
Kant's ethics are based on duty and moral law, following categorical imperatives that are universal and apply regardless of consequences.
4
Question
Describe utilitarian ethics (MIT) in the context of the study guide.
Page 1
Answer
Utilitarian ethics involve calculating the consequences of actions to maximize overall happiness and minimize suffering for the greatest number.
5
Question
Why does Aquinas argue that God would not reveal the vision of the Divine Essence directly?
Page 2
Answer
God would not reveal it directly because humans must first achieve natural virtues through reason; the vision is a supernatural gift after fulfilling natural potential.
6
Question
What are examples of 'high-quality' pleasures according to Kant and utilitarianism?
Page 2
Answer
High-quality pleasures include writing and publishing a book that helps a struggling friend, as it involves intellectual and altruistic elements.
7
Question
What are the three elements of flourishing according to Aristotle?
Page 2
Answer
The three elements are: life goes well, virtuous activity of the soul in accordance with reason, and external goods supporting virtue.
8
Question
What are the two main types of virtue according to Aristotle, and how are they acquired?
Page 2
Answer
Intellectual virtues (e.g., wisdom) are acquired through teaching, while moral virtues (e.g., courage) are developed through habit and practice.
9
Question
What does 'eudaimonia' translate to in English, and what is its role in Aristotle's ethics?
Page 3
Answer
Eudaimonia translates to 'flourishing' or 'happiness' and is the ultimate end of human life, achieved through virtuous activity.
10
Question
How does Aristotle describe the ultimate end (telos) of human actions?
Page 3
Answer
All human actions aim at some good, with eudaimonia as the highest, self-sufficient end that makes life complete.
11
Question
According to Aristotle, what are the three cardinal virtues and their deficiencies, means, and excesses?
Page 3
Answer
Courage: cowardice (deficiency), courage (mean), rashness (excess). Temperance: insensibility (deficiency), temperance (mean), self-indulgence (excess). Justice: injustice (deficiency), justice (mean), ? (excess, implied as overreach).
12
Question
Why does Aristotle reject wealth as the human good?
Page 3
Answer
Wealth is not self-sufficient; it serves other ends and can lead to vice if pursued excessively, unlike virtue which is choiceworthy for itself.
13
Question
Why does Aristotle reject pleasure as the ultimate human good?
Page 3
Answer
Pleasure is not choiceworthy for its own sake but accompanies virtuous activity; base pleasures can harm the soul.
14
Question
Why does Aristotle reject honor as the human good?
Page 3
Answer
Honor depends on others' opinions and is sought for self-esteem, not intrinsically; it leaves the soul's excellence unaddressed.
15
Question
Why does Aristotle reject the contemplative life as the sole human good?
Page 3
Answer
While excellent, it requires external goods and practical virtues; a complete life needs balance, not just theory.
16
Question
In Aristotle's view, how should one respond to a woman seeking honor in government?
Page 4
Answer
Deny her based on natural differences in roles; men lead publicly, women in domestic spheres, to maintain order and virtue.
17
Question
What is an example of a virtuous act involving justice in Aristotle's ethics?
Page 4
Answer
A man testifying truthfully against his mother in court to uphold justice, despite emotional ties, prioritizing the greater good.
18
Question
What are Kant's three tests for moral actions?
Page 4
Answer
1. Universalizability: Can the maxim be willed as a universal law? 2. Humanity: Treat people as ends, not means. 3. Kingdom of ends: Act as if legislating for a realm of rational beings.
19
Question
Apply Kant's universalizability test to lying to protect a son from punishment.
Page 4
Answer
Lying cannot be universalized because if everyone lied, trust and communication would collapse, making lying impossible.
20
Question
In the example of a mother lying to protect her son, what is the Kantian conclusion?
Page 4
Answer
The mother should tell the truth; lying treats the father as a means and fails the duty to honesty, regardless of consequences.
21
Question
How does utilitarianism evaluate lying to protect a son from punishment?
Page 4
Answer
Calculate net happiness: If lying prevents more suffering than it causes (e.g., son's reform vs. family trust), it may be justified.
22
Question
In the utilitarian analysis of the lying scenario, what factors increase suffering from truth-telling?
Page 5
Answer
The son faces punishment and potential reform failure, causing emotional pain to the family and hindering his future.
23
Question
Why might lying produce more good than telling the truth in the mother's dilemma, per utilitarianism?
Page 5
Answer
Lying allows the son to avoid punishment, enabling better outcomes like reform without suffering, outweighing temporary trust issues.
24
Question
What is a key difference between Kantian ethics and utilitarianism in decision-making?
Page 5
Answer
Kant focuses on universal rules and duty without considering consequences, while utilitarianism weighs outcomes for maximum happiness.
25
Question
How does Aristotle's ethics differ from Kant's in terms of motivation for actions?
Page 1
Answer
Aristotle emphasizes habituated virtues and flourishing through reason, while Kant stresses duty and adherence to moral law.
26
Question
According to Aquinas, why is the vision of the Divine Essence not revealed prematurely?
Page 2
Answer
Humans must first develop natural virtues; supernatural vision completes but does not replace natural fulfillment.
27
Question
What role do external goods play in Aristotle's concept of flourishing?
Page 2
Answer
External goods (e.g., friends, wealth) support virtuous activity but are not the core; excess or deficiency hinders eudaimonia.
28
Question
How are moral virtues acquired in Aristotle's framework?
Page 2
Answer
Moral virtues are formed through repeated practice and habituation, shaping character over time.
29
Question
What is the Greek term for flourishing in Aristotle's ethics, and its literal meaning?
Page 3
Answer
Eudaimonia, meaning 'good spirit' or 'happiness' as a state of living well.
30
Question
In Aristotle's doctrine of the mean, what is the mean for courage?
Page 3
Answer
Courage is the mean between cowardice (fear too much) and rashness (fear too little).