Kaplan: The authors' talk of "theory" remains a weakness in their discussion. In the terms of Francis Bacon (see below), their language is dominated by their disciplinary orientation, by the "Idols of the Theatre;" that is, their emphasis upon a taxonomic approach and their categories of ethical propositions is more a reflection of their own activity than a clear and parsimonious survey (or overview) of philosophical propositions. Their taxonomy is more an artifact of their discipline and academic activity than a matter of philosophical inquiry or interest; perhaps the role of philosophy here is to describe what they are doing? Also from Bacon, they are proposing more order in the world than actually exits. While their categories are based upon observable characteristics, theory to theory, yet they are nonetheless engaged in a synthetic activity when one considers the actual complexities of the stream-of-life where we observe how ethical and moral decisions are thought about, talked about and made. Recall the introduction to the Stanford article on Aristotle's Ethics:
Aristotle conceives of ethical theory as a field distinct from the theoretical sciences. Its methodology must match its subject matter—good action—and must respect the fact that in this field many generalizations hold only for the most part.Our textbook authors are proposing (and imposing) a sort of logical or synthetic order that is not present in nature; rather than theoretical platforms, it is better (wiser, smarter, more sensible) to view philosophical propositions as propositions. It is more sensible to approach each philosopher in his historical context, and simply and clearly--as simply and clearly as possible--identify what he is saying. The questions we then ask ourselves are, "Does this proposition makes sense? Is this how things happen in the real world? Let's go through some examples and see what these ideas look like when we put them into practice...."
The Virtues: "[T]he cardinal or natural virtues are justice, prudence, fortitude, and temperance" (45/107).
Nichomachean Ethics: "The system of ethics established by Aristotle in the fourth century B.C., named after his son Nicomachus" (45/104).
Aristotle and the meaning of Eudaimonia.
Plato and Aristotle: Two Key Distinctions
Confucius: 63-67/43-46, and above
Advantages and Disadvantages of virtue ethics in the context of an overall theory of ethics:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
MIDTERM REVIEW:
Terms:
Writing Paragraphs on Philosophical Terms and Philosophers
Philosophical Terms
Topic Sentence: identify the term in a general statement.
Supporting Sentences: specific statements in which you describe, explain, discuss and comment on the term. Develop general points with discussion, illustrations and examples. Suggested descriptive points:
Definition
Origin and history of the term/the use of the term
Explain the term
Examples and illustrations of problems and questions surrounding or falling under the heading of the term
What other people have said about the term
What you think about the term, your views
Significance?
Philosophers, Theologians and Figures of Philosophical Interest
Topic Sentence: identify the figure in a general statement. What is the figure’s significance or place in the history of ideas?
Supporting Sentences: specific statements in which you describe, explain, discuss and comment on the figure. Develop general points with discussion, illustrations and examples. Suggested descriptive points:
Significance (possibly continued from your topic sentence, or make this(these) remark(s) at the end of your paragraph)
Biography
Publications and work
Figure influenced by_______________
Figure influenced_______________
(Remember, influences—in either direction—can include other figures, history, politics, the history of philosophy, biographical matters, and the world of schools and school teachers.)
Main ideas (What are the figures most important ideas? Also, possibly use the “Moral Philosophy in Context” tool: 1) Metaphysical beliefs, special claims for reason or logic, theory of human nature. 2) Moral Philosophy. 3) Political Philosophy.)
What other people have said about the figure (you might want to return to significance)
What you think about the figure, your views (again, you might want to return to significance)
Possible final statement: Why is the figure significant?
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