Happiness and the Virtues
Please respond to the following:
• View the video titled “Ethical Theory: Aristotle’s Virtue Ethics, Solitary Confinement, and Supererogatory Actions” on YouTube video, (5 min 11 s), located at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ83U1Nx_dI. Be prepared to discuss.
Q1. From the “Ethical Theory” video in Aristotle’s essay, analyze Aristotle’s claim that reason determines right action. Discuss how this process occurs and how it is related to the general principle that virtuous action is a “mean” between extremes. Then, discuss the prisoner’s views about isolation. Discuss your agreement or disagreement with Aristotle’s view of happiness. Provide reasons and examples to support your view.
Q2. Debate It: Take a position for or against Augustine’s claim: “Virtue gives perfection to the soul; the soul obtains virtue by following God; following God is the happy live.” Provide reasons and examples to support your view.