In: Psychology
Aristotle said, “A problem of ethics exists when the virtue of loyalty conflicts with the virtue of truth-telling”. Explain what he meant by this statement.
Aristotle said, “A problem of ethics exists when the virtue of
loyalty conflicts with the virtue of
truth-telling”.
His error is that 'loyalty' is not a Virtue!
There can be no 'conflict' among Virtues.
I don't mean 'virtue' like 'sweetness is a virtue of an
apple';
True, unconditional Love is ALWAYS recognized by It's unconditional
Virtues; Compassion, Empathy, Sympathy, Gratitude, Humility,
Charity (charity is never taking more than your share of anything,
ever!), Honesty, Happiness, Faith...
ALWAYS.
Notice that all Virtues fit together, in Love, hand in
hand.
'Loyalty' is a 'conditional' thing, a 'virtue' of the ego, vanity;
all true Virtues are unconditional.
'Honesty' is a Virtue that is moderated by the other attendant
Virtues, while 'truth telling' is a poor belief-riddled egotistical
affectation, often used to bludgeon people.
Just one more Aristotelian fly in the ointment of Western
thought.