1Chapter 1: History of Ethics A. Ancient Greek Ethical Thought 1.Socrates (469-399 B.C.) •Socrates is primarily concerned with man. •Socrates is not concerned with nature, i.e. metaphysics •Socrates considers man from the perspective of his inner life •Socrates advanced that the beginning of the ethical life begins by "knowing oneself." •Socrates intended to convey with the phrase reflection, criticism, and ethical maturity. •The core of Socrates ethic isareteor virtue. •Socrates argued that "virtue" is that for which man was born. •Socrates argued that the beginning of virtue is knowledge, i.e. know thyself. •Socrates argued that virtue could be taught. •Socrates was not an individual of profound metaphysical ideas. •Socrates laid the foundation for Plato and for Aristotle. •Socrates never wrote anything. •We are familiar with Socrates teachings through the writings of his student, Plato 2.Plato ((427-347 BC) •Plato argued that "truth" is universal, eternal and rationally comprehensible. •Plato's ethics closely parallel his view of society. •Plato argued society is composed of three classes of people: artisans, guardians, and thinkers. •The artisans are the farmers. •The guardians are the warriors. •The thinkers are the philosophers. •These three classes correspond to the 3 aspects of the human faculties. •One aspect of the individual is the appetitive (need fulfilling), requiring moderation. •A second aspect of the individual is the spirited (vigorous activity), requiting fortitude. •A third aspect of the individual is the rational (thinking), requiring wisdom. •The virtues required of individuals are: moderation, fortitude, wisdom, and justice. •The vices include: indulgence, cowardice, and foolishness. •To give into these vices is to allow a "chaos of the soul" for Plato. •Plato argued for individuals and society to be governed by reason not passion or personal interests. 3. Aristotle (384 - 323 BC) •Aristotle had the greatest influence upon Western ethical thought. •Aristotle was a pupil of Plato but differed from him on many points. •Plato argued that morality was to be governed by universal ideals. •Aristotle argued that morality was to be governed by consequences. •Aristotle's primary contribution to ethics is his idea of the "golden means." •Aristotle argued the moral life exists between the extremes of excess and deficiency. •Example: Courage lies between the extreme of cowardice and foolhardiness. •Aristotle argued that "happiness" (eudemonia) is the goal of life. •Aristotle meant by happiness "well-being" not an inner feeling or transitory mood.
