Question 1

What is Aristotle's doctrine of the four causes? What does it attempt to explain? How does it relate to his teleology?

Accepted Answer

Aristotle's doctrine of the four causes is a framework for understanding the nature of things and their existence. According to Aristotle, there are four causes that explain why something exists or why it is the way it is: the material cause (what something is made of), the formal cause (the form or structure of something), the efficient cause (the force or agent that brings something into existence), and the final cause (the purpose or goal for which something exists).

This doctrine attempts to explain the essence and existence of things in the world. By identifying these four causes, Aristotle sought to provide a comprehensive understanding of the natural world and the reasons for its existence and characteristics. For example, in the case of a statue, the material cause would be the marble it is made of, the formal cause would be the sculptor's design, the efficient cause would be the sculptor himself, and the final cause would be the reason for creating the statue, such as to honor a deity.

Aristotle's doctrine of the four causes is closely related to his teleology, which is the study of purpose or goal-directedness in nature. The final cause, or telos, is an essential aspect of his philosophy, as it suggests that everything in the natural world has a purpose or goal towards which it strives. This teleological view is evident in his understanding of the four causes, as the final cause represents the ultimate reason for the existence and characteristics of a thing. In this way, the doctrine of the four causes is integral to Aristotle's teleological view of the natural world, as it provides a framework for understanding the purpose and design inherent in all things.

Question 2

According to Aristotle, what is the function of a human being?

Accepted Answer

According to Aristotle, the function of a human being is to engage in an activity of the soul which follows or implies a rational principle. In other words, Aristotle believed that the distinctive function of humans, what sets us apart from plants and animals, is our capacity for rational thought and action.

Aristotle discusses this concept in his work "Nicomachean Ethics," where he explores the idea of the good life and virtue. He argues that every being has a specific function that it is uniquely suited to perform, and for humans, this function is related to the use of reason. This is because, in his view, the rational part of the soul is the most essential aspect of our nature.

By fulfilling this function, humans achieve what Aristotle calls "eudaimonia," often translated as happiness or flourishing. Eudaimonia is not simply a fleeting feeling of pleasure but a deep fulfillment that comes from living a life of virtuous activity in accordance with reason. For Aristotle, the highest human good is to live a life of rational activity in accordance with virtue, which is the realization of the true human function.

Question 3

Describe the two forms of virtue according to Aristotle.

Accepted Answer

According to Aristotle, there are two forms of virtue: intellectual virtue and moral virtue.

Intellectual virtue is developed through education and training, and it involves the use of reason and intellect to make decisions and solve problems. This form of virtue is acquired through learning and experience, and it is essential for achieving a life of contemplation and wisdom.

Moral virtue, on the other hand, is developed through habit and practice. It involves the development of good character traits such as courage, temperance, and justice. Moral virtue is achieved through repeated actions and choices that are in line with ethical principles, and it is essential for living a good and fulfilling life.

Aristotle believed that both forms of virtue are necessary for living a flourishing and virtuous life, and that they are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. Intellectual virtue helps us to understand what is good and to make rational decisions, while moral virtue helps us to act in accordance with our understanding of the good. Together, these two forms of virtue enable us to live a life of excellence and fulfillment.

Question 4

What is the "mean" of Aristotle? Is it an arithmetic condition? Does it imply that a virtuous person is an average person with average talents?

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Question 5

Explain Aristotle's theory of virtues in detail using at least three examples. At least one of the examples must be Aristotle's.

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Question 6

Explain the difference between a teleological explanation and a causal explanation using examples.

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Question 7

Can you think of a virtue that is closer to one extreme than the other? Explain. How would Aristotle react to your example?

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Question 8

Evaluate Aristotle's idea that rationality is the overriding human purpose.

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Question 9

Discuss Aquinas's idea of natural law. Are there obligations we have to fulfill because they are embedded in God's purpose for us? What are the implications of breaking the rules of the natural law?

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Question 10

Describe your own criterion for moral goodness, and give an example of what you think is a morally good person. You may make up an example, or you may pick an actual or fictional person and describe him or her.

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Question 11

What constitutes happiness, or "eudaimonia," for Aristotle?

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Question 12

What are some criticisms of virtue ethics?

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Question 13

Would Aristotle consider Socrates' choice to stand trial a brave decision? Why or why not? Would he consider his own decision to flee Athens courageous? Why or why not?

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Question 14

How might Aristotle have evaluated Njal's and Bergthora's deaths? Explain.

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Question 15

Is the "Flight of Icarus" a didactic story? Explain.

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Question 16

Comment on "A Piece of Advice." Is this an example of virtue ethics or ethics of conduct? Explain your answer. Can someone become a better person through consistent actions even though his or her intention is not to improve on his or her own character?

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Question 17

Is it good enough to become a different and better person by having a change of habits forced on you, or is it better if one chooses to change one's habits oneself? Read the first Primary Reading, Aristotle's Book II, Chapter 4, and explain what Aristotle would say. Do you think your character has ever improved by being forced into a situation?

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Question 18

Aristotle's theory of causation includes four causes. Identify the one that does NOT belong in the list.
A) The material cause
B) The final cause
C) The formal cause
D) The ideal cause

Accepted Answer

Aristotle's theory of causation includes the material, formal, and final causes, but not the "ideal cause." The ideal cause is not a concept found in Aristotle's explanation of causation.

Question 19

Aristotle's idea of Intelligent Design differs from contemporary Intelligent Design theories in that he did not believe that
A) any god was watching over its creation.
B) the universe was created by a divine intelligence.
C) everything was created with a purpose.
D) all creations on Earth had virtue.

Accepted Answer

Aristotle's concept of Intelligent Design did not involve a god actively overseeing creation, unlike some contemporary theories that involve a divine being's ongoing involvement.

Question 20

According to Aristotle, if you spend too much money, you are
A) a buffoon.
B) liberal.
C) a miser.
D) prodigal.

Accepted Answer

According to Aristotle, spending too much money characterizes someone as prodigal. He contrasts this with being a miser, who spends too little.

Quiz 9: Aristotles Virtue Theory: Everything in Moderation