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Aristotle's Biology and Ethics (Level 7)

Overview

  • Credit value: 15 credits at Level 7
  • Convenor and tutor: Sophia Connell
  • Assessment: an essay of 3500-3700 words (100%)

Module description

This module discusses Aristotelian ethics and its biological basis. It begins with the ancient texts, providing an overview of interpretations before turning to contemporary revivals of so-called virtue ethics. For Aristotle and many of his contemporary followers, well-being and virtue can be grounded in human nature. Human beings are ‘social animals’ (zoê politikê). Only within a social setting can individuals flourish and do well, while supporting that community into the future.

Indicative module syllabus

  • What is the purpose of Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics?
  • What is natural about virtues and how are they acquired?
  • Why can't non-human animals be virtuous or happy according to Aristotle? Is he right?
  • What is phronesis (practical wisdom)? Why is it necessary for virtue according to Aristotle? Why might contemporary philosophers disagree?
  • What is the role of friendship in a well-lived life? Why is it like virtue?
  • How much do communities contribute to the construction of the ethical self?
  • Is neo-Aristotelian naturalism a viable theory? Who defends it and how?
  • Does contemporary psychology disprove virtue ethics?

Learning objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • demonstrate a deep and systematic understanding of Aristotle’s theories concerning the virtues and their biological basis as expressed in his Nicomachean Ethics and Politics
  • demonstrate a thorough understanding of the specialist principles and concepts deployed by Aristotle in his ethical theories, their strengths and weaknesses and their distinctiveness relative to other approaches in ancient philosophy
  • demonstrate critical responses to Aristotle’s accounts of phronesis, friendship and community, suggesting new concepts or approaches
  • flexibly and creatively apply knowledge to critically challenge Aristotelian and neo-Aristotelian virtue ethics, while situating these arguments in relation to different aspects of Aristotle’s philosophy as well as developments in psychology.