Deck 14: The Importance of Character Virtues

Question 1

The proponents of join in with Aristotle in believing that ethical knowledge involves a degree of wisdom or judgment that cannot be expressed in the form of an absolute rule.

A) Moral theory
B) Justice theory
C) Virtue theory
D) Kantian theory

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Contemporary virtue theory has been inspired by:

A) Plato
B) Aristotle
C) Socrates
D) Euripides

Answer 2

B

Question 3

What are personal qualities or traits of character that make us persons of excellent character?

A) Morals
B) Virtues
C) Duties
D) Ethics

Answer 3

B

Question 4

For Aristotle, a good life is a/an __________ life.

A) ethical
B) happy
C) pleasurable
D) emotional

Question 5

For Aristotle, in order to answer the question of "What ought I to do," one must first answer the question:

A) What will make me happy?
B) What will others say about what I do?
C) What kind of person should I be?
D) What kind of person am I?

Question 6

Consequentialists and deontologists give no consideration to:

A) emotions
B) virtue
C) justice
D) desire

Question 7

A virtuous person will ask him or herself:

A) How will this make me happy?
B) What will others say about what I do?
C) How will I be good in this situation?
D) What kind of person am I?

Question 8

In ethics, the imperative is to do what is right, whereas in ethics, the imperative is to be a good person.

A) Virtue; deontological
B) Moral; virtue
C) Deontological; virtue
D) Virtue; moral

Question 9

Aristotle believed that a virtuous character is developed by:

A) leading others
B) following others
C) education
D) repetition

Question 10

According to , what is wrong with lying is not that it is unjust, but that it is dishonest, and dishonesty is a vice.

A) Moral ethics
B) Virtue ethics
C) Justice ethics
D) Kantian ethics

Question 11

Aristotle adopted a/an approach to ethical problems.

A) Empirical
B) Virtuous
C) Habitual
D) Ethical

Question 12

The critical point is that are necessary for conducting our lives well.

A) Morals
B) Rules
C) Laws
D) Virtues

Question 13

Anscombe published an article suggesting that modern moral philosophy was misguided and that philosophers should stop thinking about while placing virtue center stage.

A) Obligation
B) Duty
C) Rightness
D) All of the above

Question 14

does not seek to uncover a fundamental principle telling us what to do and how to act in an ethical way.

A) Aristotle
B) Kant
C) Rawls
D) Socrates

Question 15

Rachels (1999) suggests that a reasonable in relation to the virtue of generosity is that we should be as generous with our resources as is consistent with conducting our ordinary lives in a minimally satisfying way.

A) Imperative
B) Mean
C) Act
D) Decision

Question 16

Many philosophers have realized that presents a more subtle, rich, and realistic picture of the ethical life.

A) Aristotle
B) Kant
C) Rawls
D) Socrates

Question 17

Virtues can include natural qualities such as:

A) Intelligence
B) Strength
C) Compassion
D) All of the above

Question 18

An act, such as being a brave soldier in the Nazi military, may reflect the virtue of courage, but on the whole it is not virtuous because:

A) the soldier could have made other choices
B) the soldier promotes an evil cause
C) the soldier should not follow orders
D) the soldier is blinded to the realities

Question 19

Aristotle was concerned with how people:

A) Learn the proper ethical rules.
B) Evaluate the effects of their behavior.
C) Live an ethical life.
D) Adopt the proper maxims.

Question 20

Plato and Socrates identified only or primary virtues.

A) Two; three
B) Three; four
C) Four; five
D) Five; six

Question 21

According to Aristotle, the good life is a happy life, or, more accurately, one that is:

A) a life without pain
B) a courageous life
C) A well-adjusted life.
D) a flourishing life

Question 22

Virtues are strengths of character that promote human flourishing and well-being, and are weaknesses of character that hinder human flourishing or well-being.

A) Habits
B) Vices
C) Bad morals
D) None of the above

Question 23

One commonly accepted interpretation is that Aristotle is emphasizing that happiness is not but is rather an activity.

A) Dynamic
B) Static
C) A feeling
D) All of the above

Question 24

Aristotle argues that the way to behave in a moral or ethical sense is in accordance with:

A) the mean
B) our happiness
C) courage
D) industriousness

Question 25

Aristotle's concept of the "Golden Mean" is:

A) A principle which results in the same decisions for all persons.
B) Relative to each individual and their situation.
C) A means of maximizing the greatest good for the greatest number.
D) A way of doing what is best for society.

Question 26

Aristotle's theory cannot be reduced to a set of rules because his theory is:

A) vague
B) unquantifiable
C) relativistic
D) without concrete meaning

Question 27

What is a morally right or wrong act is ultimately to be judged in contrast to our final goal of .

A) Life
B) Happiness
C) Morality
D) Trust

Question 28

Man's aim should be to find in order to help us act rightly.

A) The Golden mean
B) Truth
C) Justice
D) Happiness

Question 29

An individual of practical wisdom is a person:

A) Able to reason correctly about ethical matters
B) Someone who has the vision to see which is the correct course of action
C) Is able to deliberate well
D) All of the above

Question 30

People who practice deliberate well as reflect ethically about the good life in general.

A) Act consequentialism
B) Ethical wisdom
C) Ethical absolutism
D) Virtue ethics

Question 31

involves applying excellent character to a situation in light of an overall conception of what amounts to a good life.

A) Virtue
B) Compassion
C) Practical wisdom
D) Character

Question 32

Applying practical wisdom is a/an in which we reflect on circumstances and apply our wisdom to a specific case.

A) Virtue
B) Act
C) Thinking process
D) Both a and c

Question 33

Aristotle argues that arises out of virtuous activity.

A) Honesty
B) Flourishing
C) Courage
D) Charity

Question 34

Aristotle concludes that man's function is that which is:

A) Unique to us as human beings
B) Right
C) An activity of soul exhibiting excellence
D) Both a and c

Question 35

Aristotle's notion of the "Golden Mean" suggests that persons should always chose:

A) Always seek to maximize all values simultaneously.
B) Moderation and not extremes.
C) To do what the average virtuous person would do.
D) Seek to achieve average results.

Question 36

According to Aristotle, how do we acquire practical wisdom?

A) It is gained through a good upbringing that includes associating with good people and through acting in a good way.
B) It is gained as a virtue in the developmental process.
C) We do not acquire it. We must earn it as we identify our virtues and develop our character.
D) It is evident in the Golden Mean.

Question 37

What is defined by Aristotle as an activity of the soul in accord with perfect virtue?

A) Loyalty
B) Trust
C) Happiness
D) Compassion

Question 38

For Aristotle, a person who led a virtuous or moral life was also:

A) A person who would achieve great material success.
B) one who would also become a great leader
C) one who would be rewarded in the next life
D) One who would flourish and find happiness.

Question 39

People with "practical wisdom," according to Aristotle, are those who:

A) deliberate about the consequences of their deeds for others
B) deliberate about what is good for their life as a whole
C) deliberate about what to do with their life
D) deliberate about whether others see them as virtuous

Question 40

For Aristotle, living a life of excellence refers to a life of:

A) courage
B) justice
C) virtuous activity
D) charity

Question 41

Aristotle's list of 12 virtues does not include justice or wisdom.

Question 42

Aristotle's theory is not concerned with happiness or flourishing as a human being.

Question 43

Aristotle termed his theory of moderation "the Golden Mean."

Question 44

Aristotle regarded the as the epitome of human excellence.

A) Athenian woman
B) Athenian gentleman
C) Athenian virtue
D) Athenian compassion

Question 45

The Golden Mean rule may mean different things when applied to different people.

Question 46

According to Blum (1996), virtues can only be sustained within:

A) families
B) individuals
C) communities
D) prison

Question 47

Aristotle was a student of Plato.

Question 48

Pincoffs (1998) is referring to when he suggests that when faced with an ethical dilemma, the approach is to ask what the right thing to do is, emphasizing action rather than character.

A) Character ethics
B) Virtue ethics
C) Moral ethics
D) Quandary ethics

Question 49

Hursthouse (1999) argues that virtue ethics can provide:

A) Affirmations
B) Action guidance
C) Justifications
D) Rules and guidelines

Question 50

Feminist critics of Aristotle argue that his notion of virtue:

A) Is from a male perspective only.
B) Says nothing about male-female relationships.
C) Allows rape and sexual abuse.
D) Fails to mention equal employment opportunity.

Question 51

Which of the following is not one of Hinman's (1998) arguments regarding the criticisms of Aristotle's virtues:

A) Argues there are some universal elements in the list of virtues
B) Suggests all we need to develop certain attitudes to cope with our lives
C) There is no middle course in his list of virtues
D) Suggests the excess is pity or bleeding heart, the deficiency is acting callously, and the mean compassionately

Question 52

Aristotle's theory seeks to uncover fundamental principles governing specific actions.

Question 53

Practical wisdom is useless according to Aristotle.

Question 54

A common criticism of Aristotle's theory is that it is an ethics:

A) For the ruling classes.
B) Without flexibility for difficult situations.
C) That fails to take happiness into account.
D) That ignores character issues.

Question 55

Both Aristole and MacIntyre (1984) have linked to particular forms of life.

A) Virtue
B) Happiness
C) Families
D) Communities

Question 56

Aristotle was a famous Roman philosopher.

Question 57

Hursthouse (1999) argues that each virtue generates a prescription. Which of the following are examples she provides as such a prescription?

A) do what is honest
B) do what is charitable
C) do what is generous
D) all of these

Question 58

Critics of Aristotle's theory contend that it shows class and gender bias.

Question 59

Critics of character theory, including Hursthouse, argue that there can be inconsistencies and conflicts between the virtues listed by Aristotle.

Question 60

One problem with Aristotle' theory is that his virtues:

A) Are relative to the society or community in which the individual lives.
B) Are never listed.
C) Are not tied in with human happiness.
D) Are not tied in with character.

Question 61

Discuss and evaluate three criticisms of character or virtue theory. Please provide a hypothetical situation which exemplifies each of these three criticisms.

Question 62

Aristotle argues that people should practice _______ wisdom.

Question 63

Unlike the philosopher _______, Aristotle's theory does not stress duties.

Question 64

According to Aristotle, what is the relationship between leading an ethical life and being happy or "flourishing?" Provide a specific example of such a relationship.

Question 65

Describe the role that practical wisdom plays in character.

Question 66

Define quandary ethics.

Question 67

The principle of moderation was termed the Golden _______ by Aristotle.

Question 68

Unlike _______ theorists, Aristotle was not concerned with the effects or results of behavior.

Question 69

Define spheres of existence

Question 70

Aristotle was a tutor to the young _______.

Question 71

Aristotle was a student of _______ another famous philosopher.

Question 72

What is Aristotle's theory of the "Golden Mean?" Provide an example of a situation which follows that principle and one which violates it.

Question 73

Describe Okin's critique of virtue theory from a feminist perspective

Question 74

is primarily concerned with persons and character rather than with duties or with the consequences of actions.

Question 75

Aristotle's virtues do not include wisdom or _______