STUDY QUESTIONS ON ARISTOTLE

(and some related stuff)

1)       Explain each of the following views, and give an example for each that shows that it is not likely to be a correct explanation of what is morally right: a) Sociological view b) Egoistic view c) Subjectivist view. 

2)       Explain the difference between an ultimate or intrinsic good, and an instrumental good. What are some of the things that various philosophers have claimed to be ultimate goods?

3)       What is happiness, according to Aristotle? What does it mean to say that happiness is complete and that it is self-sufficient? How is completeness related to ultimate good? Given an example of an ultimate good which is not complete. How is happiness related to virtue? What is the function of a human being, and how is that function related to virtue? Why can’t animals and children be happy?

4)       How does a person acquire virtues? Describe Aristotle’s view of courage, generosity, temperance, and justice. Explain how each of these virtues can be seen as a mean between extremes. Carefully define each virtue, and distinguish cases where it is not present from those in which it is. Why isn’t it brave to rob banks? What does it mean to say that just distribution is proportionate? How does each of these virtues effect (a) the person how has it and (b) other people? Is Aristotle an egoist? Why or why not?

5)       What are the most important virtues of thought, according to Aristotle? Is pleasure good according to Aristotle? What are the two kinds of pleasure? Explain why one kind is superior to the other. What role does pleasure play in happiness? What is hedonism? Was Aristotle a hedonist?

6)       Give Aristotle’s definition of friendship, and describe some of the different kinds of friendship. Why are friends needed? Why is complete friendship rare?

7)       Explain what study is, and describe Aristotle’s argument that study is the highest activity. What role do (a) Aristotle’s attitude toward the divine and (b) his view of slavery play in his argument that study is supreme? Is he right? What do you think is the highest or best activity of a human being? Explain what ideology means. Is Aristotle's view that study is a higher activity than practical activities an ideological one?

8)       Compare Aristotle’s concept of voluntary action with Moore’s. Can someone be blamed for an involuntary action?