Chapter 13
In Aristotle’s Nichomachean Ethics (his book outlining virtue ethics), the central questions are about what? Explain what virtue is, as opposed to a vice. Give some examples of virtues and vices.
A virtue is termed as a “ trait of character that is manifested in habitual action ” (p.75). Therefore, moral virtue is a disposition for one to behave in the right manner and a mean between two vices. Some examples of virtues include honesty, generosity, fairness, justice, moderation, patience, among others. Examples of virtues include lack of ambitiousness, lack of spirit, shamelessness, rashness, and vanity. As Aristotle puts it, “ virtue is the mean reference by two vices: the one of excess and the other of deficiency ” ( Rachels, 1999, p.177).
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According to Rachels, what are some advantages of virtue ethics? What are its disadvantages?
One of the advantages of virtue ethics is that it leads to moral motivation, especially in those situations, when we need something to drag ourselves from destructive thoughts. Moreover, it helps in explaining why impartiality is not ideal, especially when it comes to dealing with family and friends ( Rachels, 1999) . However, the problem of incompleteness arises because it does not provide a complete understanding of the moral character. Overall, “ virtues are important because the virtuous person will fare better in life ” (p.182). The advantages are derived from the fact that we are always presented with circumstances with either extremes and the traits will help us resolve them.
Chapter 7
Bentham argued that there is one ultimate principle of morality. What is it? What does it require concerning our choices?
While referring to the principle of utility as the ultimate principle of morality, Bentham considered it as a “ principle which approves or disapproves of every action whatsoever… to augment or diminish the happiness of the party whose interest is in question ” ( Rachels, 1999, p.92). The principle is exercised majorly in instances where options for maximum benefits to warring parties are selected over those that yield minimal benefits. Focus is therefore emphasized in creating happiness for both parties. This can be seen in the case of euthanasia where people are willing to let go of their patent because of the pain that they might be having from an illness and no remedy is forthcoming.
Explain Mill's "Greatest Happiness Principle" as set out in Utilitarianism (1861). How is it more elegant and persuasive than his master's version?
Mill argues that the concept of utilitarianism has a foundation on the greatest happiness principle in that actions are moral if they promote utility. Consequently, actions are considered immoral if they promote the reverse. Mill defines utility as the concept of happiness with the absence of pain. The principle holds that “ the ultimate end, with reference to and for the sake of which all other things are desirable, is an exempt as free as possible from pain, and as rich as possible as enjoyments ” ( Rachels, 1999, p. 92) . While acting against his master, he argues that a person is considered moral when his or her actions promote the utility of the community based on the greatest happiness principle.
Chapter 9
What is the difference between a hypothetical imperative and categorical imperative? After giving an example of each, explain why Kant favors the categorical imperative.
While explaining the concept of hypothetical imperative, Kant premises it on inclination or desire, which shows that it solely relies on reason. A good example that Kant provides relates to the act of borrowing money, knowing that one will not pay back. The other example is the question of whether someone would give to charity. Kant favors categorical imperative because they are premised on tangible and reliable reasons unlike the hypotheticals, which are driven by desires. Overall, “ act only according to that maxim which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law ” ( Rachels, 1999) .
Why does Kant think the categorical imperative is binding on rational agents? Why this compelling idea is and what exactly does it mean?
Kant viewed categorical imperative as an objective, rationally necessary as well as unconditional that human beings must follow despite any inclination to other imperatives. He viewed all moral requirements as justified by the principle indication that they are irrational if they violate the categorical imperative. This contrasts with the hypothetical where people justify their actions because they want/wish to achieve a goal. For instance, “ if you would not be willing for everyone to follow the rule, then you may follow it…” ( Rachels, 1999, p.122). Therefore, the binding nature of categorical imperative infers that people can act because they have all the possible reasons and validations.
References
Top of Form
Rachels, J. (1999). The elements of moral philosophy . New York, NY : McGraw-Hill College. Bottom of Form
