Comparing Socrates And Meno's Definition Of Virtue Ethics

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Differences There are many different opinions and theories about the subject of ethics. There are also many different branches and beliefs. Virtue ethics is the main branch we have discussed throughout this course. By studying Socrates’ and Meno’s views on virtue ethics, I have come to develop my own definition of virtue ethics and what it stands for. We have also studied Immanuel Kant’s opinions on duty and the ultimate goal and meaning of life. This has helped mold my opinions on teleology, our purpose in life. This paper will answer the questions of what virtue ethics is, if I believe all human beings are teleological, and if every human being has the same purpose in life. The founding fathers of virtue ethics are Aristotle and Plato. Through Plato’s “Meno”, examples and definitions of virtue ethics are voiced through Socrates and Meno. …show more content…

Each person has a purpose, whether that’s saving lives, discovering new technology, or enhancing the minds of the next generation. That is what makes our world so diverse. Every human being has a different calling in life and our purpose cannot be determined by anyone but ourselves. The one purpose or duty that I think all humans may share is happiness or Eudaimonia. According to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Eudaimonia is “usually translated as happiness or flourishing”. No matter what purpose or duty a person has, I think we all just want to be happy and content with our lives and what we do. Throughout this course, I have learned many things about ethics. I now understand the importance and how much of a presence ethics has in my everyday life. Virtue ethics focuses on one’s moral character as the groundwork for one’s behavior. Every human being is teleological and strives to fulfill their purpose in life. There is no one purpose for every individual. This is what creates variation, diversity, and

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