Aristotle Greek Philosopher 384 BC 322 BC Aristotle

Aristotle: Greek Philosopher 384 BC – 322 BC Aristotle had a huge influence on Western civilisation. He wrote about and taught many topics, including science, politics, ethics, and rhetoric (the art of talking and writing effectively or persuasively). He is best known today as a philosopher: a person who reflects on what should be believed, done and valued. Copyright: p 4 c. com

Aristotle: Greek Philosopher 384 BC – 322 BC As with many people from the past, his ideas have been built on by some, challenged and rejected by others. However, his ideas have given people over the centuries a great deal to think about. Western society would not be as it is without Aristotle. Copyright: p 4 c. com

Aristotle: Greek Philosopher Logic and ethics We’ll look at two topics that Aristotle is most famous for: logic and ethics. Logic is about keeping beliefs consistent. Ethics is about reflecting on the things people should do, the kind of people they should aim to be and the kind of life it is best to live. Copyright: p 4 c. com

Aristotle: Greek Philosopher Logic and ethics This topic will be challenging but as young philosophers yourselves, we think you will also be able to consider what Aristotle can give us from all those years ago and come to your own conclusions. Copyright: p 4 c. com

Aristotle: Greek Philosopher Doctrine of the Mean We’ll start with Aristotle’s Doctrine of the Mean. A doctrine is a set of beliefs. These are Aristotle’s beliefs. We don’t want you to accept these beliefs but, like philosophers, try to understand them, question them, and compare them to your own beliefs and observations about life. Please discuss Aristotle’s doctrine and come to your own conclusions through dialogue. Copyright: p 4 c. com

Aristotle: Greek Philosopher Virtues Aristotle thought of ‘virtue’ as a good habit of character. Aristotle’s starting point was to highlight an important area of human life in which nearly everyone would have to make decisions about how to act. He then named a character trait that would help people act well in that area of life. Copyright: p 4 c. com

Aristotle: Greek Philosopher Virtues Here are some areas of life 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Fear of significant harm to myself Distribution of limited resources in society Management of my property Living together with others in society Attitudes to the good or ill fortune of others Attitudes to the suffering of others Copyright: p 4 c. com

Aristotle: Greek Philosopher Virtues Here are some virtues 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Truthfulness and friendliness Compassion Generosity Good judgement (in contrast to jealousy or spite) Courage A sense of justice/fairness Copyright: p 4 c. com

Aristotle: Greek Philosopher Virtues Now match them up Copyright: p 4 c. com

Aristotle: Greek Philosopher Virtues What other areas of life do you think are important and shared by most people? Do think that any virtues are appropriate for these areas? If you do, what would the virtues be? Copyright: p 4 c. com