Discussion questions

Required Resources

Required Text

SEE ATTACHED FILE CHAPTER 6 ( I have highlighted in light blue the sections to read).

• Mosser, K. (2013). Understanding philosophy [Electronic version]. Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu/

  • Chapter 6: Traditional Theories of Ethics

    • Virtue Ethics

    • Problems with Virtue Ethics

    • Greed

    • The Environment

    • Ethics of Extinction

Text

SEE ATTACHED FILE Nicomachean ethics

• Aristotle. (1931). Nicomachean ethics (W. D. Ross, Trans.). Retrieved from http://classics.mit.edu/Aristotle/nicomachaen.html

  • Aristotle provides the classic framework for virtue ethics by identifying “happiness” or “living well” as the purpose of human life, giving an account of what that means, and explicating the virtues as those characteristics necessary to live well.

Articles

SEE ATTACHED FILES

• Hill, T. (1983). Ideals of human excellence and preserving natural environments. Journal of Environmental Ethics, 5(3), 211-24. Retrieved from https://www.shodor.org/ncssm/elc/content/attachments/EnvironmentalEthics-Hill.pdf

  • This article discusses the problem of environmental preservation by considering the various kinds of virtues and vices exhibited in different sorts of attitudes and behaviors toward the environment. He argues that this presents a more satisfying approach than thinking in terms of either utilitarian or deontological principles

• Robinson, P. (2007). Magnanimity and integrity as military virtues. Journal of Military Ethics, 6(4), 259-269.

  • The full-text version of this article can be accessed through the EBSCOhost database in the Ashford University Library. This article focuses on two virtues thought to be central to the character of someone in the military. He considers the importance of these virtues and how they relate to the life and actions of persons in the military, as well as their possible shortcomings and conflicts.

Multimedia

• Nussbaum, M. (n.d.). Virtue ethics [Video file]. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/nLAsm3

  • This very short clip explains some key features of Aristotelian virtue ethics.
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• Wingclips. (n.d.). The bridge on the river Kwai [Movie clip]. Retrieved from http://www.wingclips.com/movie-clips/the-bridge-on-the-river-kwai/the-best-bridge

  • In this clip from the film, which is set during World War II, a group of British Army prisoners of war are building a bridge for their Japanese captors. The Colonel expresses the significance of character in the life of the soldier. Transcript
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• Wingclips. (n.d.). The emperor’s club [Movie clip]. Retrieved from http://www.wingclips.com/movie-clips/the-emperors-club/who-we-really-are

  • The clip from this film relates to cheating and the relationship between cheating and one’s moral character. It also explores responses to virtue ethics and the relationship between virtue and success. Transcript