1. Do you think that Aristotle is correct in thinking that a life of virtuous activity is the happiest life? Why or why not?
2. Is Aristotle's idea that moral virtue is a mean between excess and defect a plausible view of moral virtue? Or is there a better definition of moral virtue? Are there any moral virtues that cannot be understood as a mean between excess and defect?
3. Do you think Aquinas' idea that something is good if human beings are naturally inclined towards it is a plausible idea? If so, why does the fact that we are naturally inclined towards something make it good? If not, why do you think that something can be bad even if we are naturally inclined toward it?
4. Aquinas thinks that as human beings we are all naturally inclined towards certain ends. Do you find his list plausible? If yes, say a little to defend it. If you don't think the list is fully correct, what is your basis for thinking so?
5. Is Kant correct in thinking that actions motivated by duty or good will are really better than other morally right actions not motivated by duty or good will? Do you agree that good will is absolutely good, regardless of the consequences, or are there cases where the consequences can diminish the goodness of someone's good will?
6. What do you think is more important to living an ethical life? Is it developing moral virtues, as Aristotle might say? Or is it having a good will and being motivated by duty as Kant might say?
7. Is Kant correct in thinking that moral duties shouldn't be based upon our ends or goals and what we are inclined towards? Or do you think that he is incorrect and that moral duty should be based more on ends or goals and what we are inclined towards? Why? [This question pertains to his distinction between categorical and hypothetical imperatives.]
8. Can you think of at least three maxims that people act upon, but which they shouldn't act upon because they violate Kant's Formula of Universal law version of the Categorical Imperative? [I am looking for maxims other than the one's Kant discusses in the reading and other than examples I brought up in class on June 26th]
9. Can you think of at least three cases in which Kant would say that someone is doing something morally wrong because they are treating another person merely as a means to their own ends or goals? [I am looking for examples different from the ones he discusses in the reading for June 27th]