PHIL 2003
Virtue Ethics Paper
Assignment Instructions
With reference to Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, Book II, argue that as humans we are better off being virtuous (i.e., practicing self-control and habitually behaving in reasonable ways) than simply doing what we feel like doing at the time.
Please write an introduction, a main argument, an objection, a response to the objection and a conclusion.
The introduction should explain why the topic is important and state the position for which you will argue.
In the main argument section, please be sure to explain what Aristotle meant by virtue and why he thought we should be virtuous, rather than following our desires. Keep in mind that each major claim should be supported by an appropriate quotation or paraphrase from Book II of Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics. For example: Aristotle theorized that virtue is a mean between two extremes. In other words, according to Aristotle, “moral qualities are so constituted as to be destroyed by excess and by deficiency” (p. 77).
In the objection, you should play the devil’s advocate by making the strongest possible argument for the opposite view: that we should follow our desires, rather than practicing self-control and being reasonable. For example, one argument could be that following our desires brings pleasure, and pleasure is the true good for human beings.
In the response, you should attempt to respond to the point that you raised in the objection, explaining why those points are not persuasive.
The conclusion should summarize what your argument has established and explain why those conclusions are important.
Please write 1,000-1,500 words.