Group Work on Aristotle

Break up into small groups. Then discuss the following.  Prepare an oral and written summary of your group's discussion. Make sure every member of your group has a copy of the responses.  If you were not present in class for this exercise, I recommend you complete it (in less than 2 pages) as a typed assignment.

 

 

 

 

 

1.       Briefly summarize Aristotle�s concept of the mean as applied to the virtues.  

2.       According to Aristotle, what is courage? How is it a mean between extremes?  Illustrate with an examples from history or literature.  Do you agree or disagree with this characterization of courage? Why or why not?

3.       According to Aristotle, what is proper pride? How is it a mean between extremes?  Illustrate with an example .  Do you agree or disagree with this characterization of proper pride? Why or why not?

4.       How does the Nicomachean Ethics suggest we can become better and braver?   Is this a good method?  How does this compare with the method Socrates suggests (Phaedo 89c)?   Name one advantage or disadvantage of each.  

 

M. Kagan, Le Moyne College, Syracuse, NY
Comments welcome.  Please email: Kagan@lemoyne.edu
Last edited Oct, 24, 2016; revised October 22, 2018.


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