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We have several ways of framing the different approaches to ethics

We have several ways of framing the different approaches to ethics. Duty vs. Happiness [ Kant/Utilitarianism ] Source of the values [ world beyond appearances vs. us or them ] Judging men vs. judging ideas [ Plato/Aristotle vs. Kant ].

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We have several ways of framing the different approaches to ethics

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  1. We have several ways of framing the different approaches to ethics • Duty vs. Happiness [Kant/Utilitarianism] • Source of the values [world beyond appearances vs. us or them] • Judging men vs. judging ideas [Plato/Aristotle vs. Kant]

  2. With Mayo, Hugo, Aristotle and Nussbaum returning to the “judging of men.” Focus is on “virtue” rather than principles • What does this mean? • That the moral character of the person acting is important. • Why? • Because their actions flow from their character. • How is this different from William’s notion of person integrity? • Acting on the basis of principle vs. acting from your moral character.

  3. What is the connection betweenbeing and doing? • You can only BE by doing what you do. • BEING focuses on VIRTUE & human character • Underlying question is whether a bad person can do good things. [on Utility yes, on Kant? Probably no]

  4. Ideals [virtues & exemplars] vs Principles “What ought I do?” • Look for the moral principles and a connection with the current situation • OR quote a quality of character. • turns into “what ought I be?”  Who is a saint? Who is a hero?

  5. Saints & Heroes • An ideal type of character or an actual person • Plato: The just man • Aristotle: The man of practical wisdom • The role of ideals/exemplary people? examples?

  6. Examples • Imitation – we try to be like our heroes •  [Kant believes this is fatal to morality – why?] • Truth – George Washington • Others? Mother Theresa? Johnny Appleseed?

  7. Mayo says there has been "...a radical one-sidedness in the philosophers' account of morality in terms of principles: it takes little or no account of qualities, of what people are. It is just here that the old fashioned word Virtue used to have a place; and it is just here that the work of Plato and Aristotle can be instructive.“ If we wish to enquire about Aristotle's moral views, it is no use looking for a set of principles. Of course we can find some principles to which he must have subscribed....The basic question for Aristotle, is not What shall I do? but, What shall I be?

  8. Mayo asks: "Why should we expect that all rules of conduct should be ultimately reducible to a few?" • "A person's character is not merely a list of dispositions; it has the organic unity of something that is more than the sum of its parts." • Examples: Plato's "just man," • Aristotle's "man of practical wisdom," • Augustine's "citizen of the city of God," the "good communist," • Socrates, Christ, Buddha, and St. Francis.

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