Ethics

Ethics Study Guide premise of virtue theories is that once one is successful in becoming the person one wants to be, making correct moral decisions will simply come naturally. Eudemonia Eudemonia is usually translated from Greek as happiness or well-being, and in the context of virtue ethics, “human flourishing.” It has some of the same connotations as “success,” since in addition to living well it includes doing well. In this sense, eudemonia is an objective state rather than a subjective one. Aristotle refers to happiness as an activity, which distinguishes his conception of happiness both from our modern conception of the word and from virtue, which Aristotle calls a disposition. We tend to think of happiness as an emotional state. Therefore, we define happiness as something we are, rather than something we do. To Aristotle, happiness characterizes a well-lived life, regardless of the emotional state of the person experiencing it. In the Western philosophical tradition, Aristotle states, the most conspicuous illustration of eudemonia is the proper goal of human life. Exercising the human quality of reason is the soul’s most nourishing activity. Like Plato before him, Aristotle argued that pursuing eudemonia was an activity only achievable in the human community. Aristotle believed that virtue is necessary for happiness, while Plato said virtue is enough for happiness. Although eudemonia was first popularized by Aristotle, it now generally belongs to the tradition of virtue theories. For the virtue theorist, eudemonia describes that state achieved by the person who lives the proper human life. This is an outcome that can be reached by practicing the virtues. A virtue is a habit or quality that allows the bearer to succeed at his, her, or its purpose. 5.2 Natural Law When people talk about human rights, they mean rights that they believe that all human beings, regardless of the rules of their respective societies or governments, are entitled to enjoy. These rights are things that are essential for functioning well as a human being. According to the 1948 United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, general welfare needs, including food, clothing, shelter, and security are basic human rights. These things are necessary to allow human beings to function well. We also have the phrase “crimes against humanity,” which was used to prosecute Nazi war criminals at Nuremburg. This concept assumes a moral law that supersedes any law of any government. Most people will agree that there are certain things people should not do to other people, such as murder. However, not everyone agrees about what basic human rights are. The idea of human rights is rooted in the theory of Natural Law . Aristotle formulated the theory of Natural Law through observing order in nature. Aristotle observed that nature always followed the same path. An acorn always grew into an oak, instead of a pine or an elm. A tadpole always grew into a frog instead of a cow or a bird. The end goal or purpose of the process is to be the best oak or frog it can be. This is its good. Aristotle posited “the good is that at which all things aim.” The good of the musician is to make music. The good of the shipbuilder is to build ships. The good of a human being, therefore, is perfecting the characteristics specific to being human. That which makes humans unique ©2018 Achieve Page 37 of 116