Aristotles Ethics MODULE 6 Lesson 1 Practical Wisdom

Aristotle’s Ethics MODULE 6: Lesson 1: Practical Wisdom

The Good for Man = Eudaimonia Good life ‘good for man’ = eudaimonia n human life = rational, social and physical n Defn = “rational activity with virtue in a complete life” (I. 7) – human life = rational, social and physical – rational activity of planning and living your own life n

Definition of Moral Virtue n. A habit or state of character that expresses a personal choice n Which finds a mean relative to us n As determined by rational principle, i. e. guided by values a morally wise person would see are at stake n Contributes essentially to capacity for eudaimonia

Virtues of a Good Life (I. 13) n MVs/character governs – C: esp. fear – T: esp. phys. lust – L: holding on to $ – PP: not seeking honors – J: will to grant/see others’ rights – F: care for others Intellect/IV sees – C: worth of risk – T: hit ‘mean’ – L: spend well – PP: pick fine goal & means – J: apply criteria fairly – place in whole life

Virtues of the Mind (NE VI) n Art e. g. sculptor, doctor – Makes particular useful things – They wouldn’t otherwise exist – Ignorant error worse than deliberate error n n – Right values (not art) – Deliberative skill (not science) – Self-knowledge – “Truth” in action (not theory) – E. g. Coach Science e. g. chemist – necessary, universal laws to n Reason (nous) = – Recognizes theoretical principles – Recognizes principles in actual situations Practical Wisdom n Theoretical Wisdom – Logic, Physics, Ethics – Vision of “God/good” – Truth in cognition

Practical Reason and Truth SUBJECTIVISM n Rational deliberation = rational means to ends OBJECTIVISM n Rational deliberation = for rational ends n Ends = function of desire, not rational or irrational n Rational chooses n Rational person means well to whatever “Good action-plan of goals they have, as life, ” chooses means goals change well to lasting goals n No truth in ethics, no ‘natural standard’ n n Ends = function of ‘objective good of man’/activities Truth in ethics, ‘natural’ standard

Does moral knowledge exist? n Knowledge = “justified n Moral knowledge? – Churchhill: “We must fight” true belief” – Geometry: A 2 + B 2 = C 2 – Biology: genes a, b disease Z (95%) n – Brother: “Must talk to Sis” n – Facts re: situation – Values liberty > life “Justified” – Empirically – Theoretically Justified? n Doctor knows: – fact: needs Y for H – Rule/self: must do -> H – how: get Y right

Practical Reason At Work Practical reason n – Ends established by choice and thought – Choose means in light of ends – “Life of reason” implies • Respect law/justice • Respect/love for virtue n • Communities of shared interest/deliberation • Desire for theoretical, practical achievement • Plan for a good life • Valuing rationality/truth • ‘Happy’/active attitude Practical syllogism 1. 2. 3. 4. It is good to live within ‘limits’ as regards sense-pleasures This situation tempts me to ‘overdo’ noble/human limits I am n/h should restrain myself Refrain! (Action) Practical wisdom – – – Timely desirability (kairos) Careful deliberation re situation Coherence of choice to other ends, “form of life” Reasoning & the virtues: does this fit my values? Acts on moral knowledge = practical

Choice, Reason, Agency Choice is either desiring reason or rational desire, and defines man as a principle of action. ” VICE n Moral – – n VIRTUE n – Bad habits/impulses of emotion, desire Bad choices, principles of character (vicious person) Intellectual – Poor reasoning re: means – False concept of ends (e. g. cunning) – No self-knowledge Moral – n Good habits/impulses of emotion, desire Noble choices, principles of character (excellent person) Intellectual – Solid reasoning re: means – True concept of ends (wisdom) – Self-knowledge

Weakness of will/Self-deception Jill has quit many n Socrates: “No one times, but : “I know I can know the should, I just can’t good and not quit smoking. ” choose it. ” n Jack knows it is wrong to cheat on his n Common: “People wife, but keeps doing can know what it: “I know I shouldn’t, they should do, and I feel bad about it. but still choose This is the last time, I not to do it. ” mean it. ” n

Aristotle’s Analysis NE VII. 1 -4 WW have moral knowledge (MK) in general: 1. MK: “I know X is wrong (bad) for people/me and I should not do it. ” Passion blurs MK in situ: 2. Insight: “This is X (I’m human) and I should do not do it. ” WW don’t reach moral conclusion = decision: 3. [Refrain from X!] n “Mean” position: – vs. Socrates: people do act vs. their ‘MK’ – vs. Common view: people who do this do not ‘choose’ they lack MSK (“language of actors”) n Questions: – Addiction/psychology • Vices or diseases? – Alternative analysis • Passion/Self-D different reasoning: “It would be unsociable not to drink. ”

Which is worse? n Weakness of will – At least know what you should be doing – But each act makes you more irresolute – So eventually ‘conscience’ gives way, person accepts vice – Loss of self-respect, leads self-deception n Moral Vice – May be just natural & learned? – Reason, new experience can ethics change – Vice becomes firmly ingrained – Experience may come too late