Question

1. Explain Aristotle’s conception of human function and what it means to be a virtuous person.

2. Describe what Thrasymachus means when he says that “justice is the advantage of the stronger”. What is one response that Socrates issues against this claim?

3. What is psychological egoism, and how does Hume’s account of primary and secondary desires challenge the view?

4. Why is it that a good will is the only thing that is good without qualification, according to Kant? Provide and elaborate on an example of action in accordance with the right thing, but that is not necessarily aligned with Kant’s conception of a good will.

5. Explain one of Kant’s formulations of the categorical imperative. Provide an example.

Please answer all of five questions. Thank you.

Answer 1

1) Aristotle states that a 'function' means the way of doing something. It shouldn't be confused with the purpose of functions, it is a process of doing an activity/decision/choice in life.

A virtuous person is the one who can rationally make choices in life. A virtuous person's happiness lies not only the rational choices, but also in the understanding which decision is worth taking and for the sake of what.

2) Trasymachus' ideas have often been seen as the first fundamental critique of moral values. He believes that moral values are constructed in the society, it is also a reflection of beliefs / values of political parties. Moral values is something inculcated since childhood through our society. So, when he says "justice is the advantage of the stronger", he is referring to the moral values socially constructed are nothing but a reflection of political communities.

Socrates' view of justice is connected to happiness. He emphasises on political communities as well as personal beliefs when it comes to moral values and justice.

3) Psychological egoism is the view that human beings are always motivated by self-interest. When they help others, they seek internal satisfaction, humans are always looking for personal benefits directly or indirectly.

Hume's theory challenges the view of psychological egoism. Hume believes that human beings are motivated to fulfill primary and secondary desires. Primary desires are basic needs like that for sensual pleasure, pleasure arising from public virtue,honor. It's basically desire to fulfill one's pleasure.

Secondary desires are that which rises from satisfying the primary desires like being wealth,powerful, having a reputed post in the society etc.

4) According to Kant, good will is the only unconditional will humans have. Courage, health, wealth can be used for ill purposes but goodwill only does good. Even if a person may not be able to achieve some goal, the goodness will always remain and remembered.

However, not all who are courageous, wealthy are without goodwill. For example, soldiers, doctors, social workers who serve others do have courage,wealth and health but they are still doing something good.

5) Categorical imperative is the way of evaluating motivation. According to Kant, human beings have morality from which all duties and obligations emerge. Categorical imperative is hence the way of evaluating our motivation in terms of moral values we hold. It's an unconditional requirement to be obeyed in all circumstances. For example, "I should always respect my parents", is something which is always to be done no matter what the circumstances is.