reasons and Reasons; Virtue
Humanities
You must read the attached chapters from the textbook before completing the questions. The answer to each question must be at least 220 words.
Question#1: This distinction, between ‘r’easons and ‘R’easons, is a central concept for Blackburn’s text. Explain it, what is the difference between these different kinds of reasons, why does the difference matter to the study of ethics, and finally try to provide one or two examples of each. For this thread in particular, you may find it useful to respond to and discuss everyone else’s examples as well.
Question#2: We’ve already discussed Aristotle’s conception of “being happy.” But, what about this: his argument implies – or outright states – that some people are more skilled at living life (that is a fair interpretation of what he means by the idea of “Virtue”). And so, in Aristotle’s theory to be Virtuous is to be the best at living life: so, discuss this, do you tend to think of Ethics as something designed to make your own personal life better? Do you think you should after having studied Aristotle?
Now, obviously that leaves a lot of room for interpretation, but be sure to bring your answer back to Aristotle’s ideas: the Golden Mean, “Virtue,” and his conception of Happiness as both personal satisfaction AND contribution to Human Purpose.
