EXAM III—ETHICS (120 pts + 40 bonus) Directions: This exam covers the following material: books III and IV in Aristotle’s Ethics, Nietzsche, and the issue of what is happiness with which we began the...

EXAM III—ETHICS (120 pts + 40 bonus)
Directions: This exam covers the following material: books III and IV in Aristotle’s Ethics, Nietzsche, and the issue of what is happiness with which we began the semester. I made all the essays, including the bonus, 20 points each, to give you some leeway to really write what you know. I made the happiness revision 40 points. Read these directions carefully. Please type all answers, except for any necessary drawings or diagrams, e.g., of Aristotle’s virtues. You may leave some white space there and hand draw them. You are to download this exam, neatly type all your answers, and bring the hardcopy to class on Tuesday, stapled. Please keep the questions in the exam, along with your answers (i.e., do not delete the questions please). Please boldface all of your answers if you can; it makes your exam easier to read and grade. Please be thorough in all of your answers. Thanks for a great semester, good luck, and may each of you rise to become one of the ubermensche!
1. What is Nietzsche’s view of ethics? How does he form that view, that is, what does he seem to criticize in other views of ethics, and why does he make those criticisms? Do you think his views have any viability? What is his relevance for us today? Please explain your response. (20)
Answer
Nietzsche's theory and philosophy on ethics is focused on positive ethics. He prorogated that ethic sought to be focused on the creation of betterment and provide people with a fair and just society. Ethics form an important part of the value system according to his philosophy. Ethics are an extremely important element of the business world as well as the society. It helps ensure that there be righteousness in the society. Fair and kind treatment is an essential element in the society. The relevant values in ethical decision making include righteousness and virtue.
He forms this view based on his understanding of metaphysics and research that he conducted for the purpose of better understanding of human beings. In his theory, he has stated that values and ethics are important as they lead to the formation and flourishing of the highest quality of human beings.
He explains that ethics forms a high quality human being with the required value system. He believed and prorogated that ethics and values formed character and so they were very important. He did base some of his research and findings on the classical virtues theory which refer to the set of basis of ethical behavior given by Aristotle consisting of courage, justice, temperance and prudence forms a basis of governance, ethical practices and decision making.
It states that a decision or judgment should be based on courage to support and stand by the truth. There should be forethought, good sense and carefulness in a decision along with temperance.
He criticized the way in which Christianity was prorogated. He believed that values were universal to mankind and should not be constrained by religion. This view of his is valid and relevant in present times because they lead to a globalized and universal concept of ethics. Ethics and moral values differ from individual to individual where as laws are common for all. So he did believe that ethics should be translated into laws.
In this way his theory is focused on the value system, ethics, social responsibility and moral system. He did not constraint them by giving it a religious approach but focused on philosophy. In the context of present times, organizations should promote ethical decisions and actions in the organization and also reward them. Ethical issues relate to individuals or organizations and are greatly focused on being right and good by adopting values like not lying, helping, participating in community development and several other aspects which are beneficial to others as well as provide self satisfaction and happiness to individuals.
2. What is Aristotle’s definition of virtue, both in virtue’s genus and in its differentia (or species)? (Please be thorough and give the full definition.) Next, give the full diagram and description for the virtue that corresponds with anger, explaining the diagram’s various details. Next apply it to some situation, i.e., how would a virtuous person express his or her anger? (20)
Answer
Aristotle defines "happiness" as a virtue and a state of realizing the virtue. Aristotle believes that human begins are capable of creating wonders. Their ability to create and understand science as well as touch upon philosophy and other bodies of knowledge makes them supreme. They are able to discover and innovate which helps them in the process of learning and developing. They have grown and evolved through technology to a great extent.
Aristotle’s definition of virtue states that, "virtue is a positive character that can be identified as a 'hexis' or a state and a tendency where in excellence in fulfillment of a particular function or doing good leads to happiness." He also explains vice which includes pain and anger.
According to Aristotle, "fear is the pain arising from the anticipation of evil". This includes anger as well which is caused due to disappointment. An example or situation is when a parent, say a mother gets angry with a child when he misbehaves, it occurs due to disappointment as the mother expects the child to behave well.
As goodness is reduced in virtue as well as means, it leads to fear and pain. It is opposed on the basis that we cannot understand and believe what we cannot see or anything that does not have a physical form. It is very important to reason and substantiate. Things that cannot be seen cannot be reasoned out accurately. It is very difficult to accurately say that what we are thinking is real and not our imagination. This makes idealism less scientific and the concept of virtue always being good and humans having good intentions has been questioned.
3. What is Aristotle’s view of the differences between voluntary and involuntary actions? What are a couple of things Aristotle says that can make an action involuntary? If an unjust king commanded you to commit murder while threatening your family, what do you think Aristotle would advise you to do, and why? Would he say the action is voluntary or involuntary? Do you agree with Aristotle? Why or why not? Please keep in mind what our moral heroes this semester would likely do as well. Give me a good essay here. (20)
Answer
Aristotle's view of differences between voluntary and involuntary actions is that the consciousness and sub consciousness of the mind cause them. His theory defines functionalism as a mental state which can be defined as a state that is apt to be the cause of certain effects or apt to be the effect of certain causes. It is caused by certain stimuli...