Ethics [Tuesday, October 25, 2011, 1st period]

[sith_happened]

"Morning, class," Anakin began, striding to the front of the class. "Today we begin discussions about Aristotle, an ancient Greek philosopher, though his influence stretched into many other areas of physical science as well. He believed that justice meant giving each person their due, or what they deserve. But how do we know what people deserve? What goods and opportunities should go to which people? Aristotle’s answer is that we have to consider the telos—the end or the purpose—of the good in question. For example, say we have some nice flutes. Who should get them? According to Aristotle, it’s not the rich person, since playing flutes has nothing to do with money. Nor is it the person who will be made most happy, since making good music is different than being happy. The purpose of a flute is to be played, and to be played well. So, Aristotle thinks, the flutes should go to the best flute players. Do you agree?"

Comments

Re: Answer the discussion question! [10/25]

[annieadderall.livejournal.com]

"I get where he's coming from," Annie said slowly, "but what if a rich person doesn't know they're one of the best flute players because they haven't had a chance to do it enough? And if a flute is going to make someone happy, I think they should get a flute, since just because someone might play it the best doesn't mean they want to. It's just weird to decide that for someone else."

Re: Answer the discussion question! [10/25]

[sith_happened]

"I wonder what Aristotle would have thought about American Idol," Anakin mused. "Some of those people can't sing even a little bit and don't seem to realize it."