Philosophy Research: Immanuel Kant Ethical System (Term Paper Sample)

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6. Describe a specific virtue to which an individual should aspire as defined by Aristotle. How does such a virtue relate to the golden mean, and what is the role of a good state of character?
Aristotle classified virtues in two categories; intellectual virtues and moral virtues. Intellectual virtues are those that result from excellence in teaching while moral are those that results from excellence formed through habitual actions. One specific virtue that Aristotle defined was courage. This is a type of moral virtue because it is developed through performing repeated habits of courage. This virtue deals with the feelings of confidence and fear. Aristotle argued that every virtue lies in the theory of the golden mean because if not well controlled it can manifest in the sides of extreme and deficiency. “Virtue is the golden mean between two vices, the one of excess and the other deficiency”. For instance, courage is a virtue, but in excess, it will manifest itself in the form of recklessness or pride. Also, in the scenarios of deficiency, courage will manifest itself in the form of cowardice. Both recklessness and cowardice are vices which do not manifest a good state of character. According to Aristotle, one should always hold a good state of character such as having the virtue of courage to fulfill their full purpose in life. For instance, a sharp life cuts well because it is in a good state, but a blunt one does not perform its duties with excellence.
7. Discuss why one classification of imperative is considered moral and the other not in Immanuel Kant’s ethical system.
Immanuel Kant ethical system proposed two types of imperatives which are hypothetical and categorical imperatives. Hypothetical imperative is considered less moral because it promotes selfishness and individualism since we are only obliged to obey what satisfies our desires. For instance, going to see a doctor is a hypothetical imperative because it...