Study Questions

Aristotle and Virtue Ethics

1.) Name at least one way in which Aristotle is influenced by Plato.  Name at least one way in which he is innovative.

2.) Explain how the Greeks understood the notion of good.  In what ways is the notion of the good relative for the Greeks?  In what ways is the notion of the good hierarchical?

3.) What properties does Aristotle believe would the highest good have that made it the highest good?

4.) What is it to give an account of a virtue's virtuousness?  What is Aristotle's general account?  Give a more specific account for at least one virtue.

5.) What is the highest good for Aristotle and why?

6.) What are the two classes of virtues that Aristotle distinguishes?  Give an example of each.  what relationship do they have to one another.

7.) What is Aristotle's doctrine of the mean?  Give an example of a virtue and it's associated vices.