Aristotle and descriptions of his notions of happiness, the soul, and Moral virtue

Aristotle and descriptions of his notions of happiness, the soul, and Moral virtue
Instructions: On the basis of the readings discussed in class write an essay addressing one of the following two themes. Use as many textual quotations

as possible to support your analysis.

————————Prompt 1 (Aristotle)———————–

(1) As Aristotle points out in Book 1, “happiness” might be described as a “kind of virtuous activity of the soul”. Please, elaborate on the following

notions (18 points):

(a) The notion of soul and the way Aristotle describes the difference between its (rational and irrational) parts;

(b) The concept of (moral) virtue and its twofold definition: (i) its connection with the notion of “habit” as “disposition”, the difference between

moral and intellectual virtues; (ii) virtue as a “mean” between two kinds of vices (please, provide some Aristotelian examples of virtue);

(2) Provide an analysis of the concepts of “action” (or “act”)—and of its different meanings (please, provide original examples to support your

explanations)—, “choice”, “deliberation” and “desire” (14 points).

(3) Provide an analysis of Aristotle’s account of “happiness” in Book 10 and of the distinction he draws between “pleasure” and “happiness” (10 points).

————————Prompt 2 (Kant-Mill)———————–

(1) In the Preface to the Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals, Kant points out: “The present Grounding is, however, intended for nothing more than

seeking out and establishing the supreme principle of morality”. Explain what Kant means by “the supreme principle of morality” and elaborate on the

following problems/notions (14 points):

a) The notion of “good will” (good without qualifications) and the relation between “will” and “reason”;

b) The distinction between actions which are “in accordance with duty” with a mediate inclination, “in accordance with duty” and with an immediate

inclination; “in accordance with duty” and contrary to some inclinations;

c) The distinction between “in accordance with duty” and “from duty”.
(2) The difference between maxim or “hypothetical imperative” and “categorical imperative” (10 points):

a) Explain the two formulations of the categorical imperative;

b) Explain what Kant means by “person”.
(3) Explain Mill’s “utilitarian” position and what he means by “the principle of the Greatest Happiness” or by “the influence of action on happiness”

(10 points).
(4) Compare Mill and Kant on the following main subjects: rule of action/motive for action; happiness; the concept of “consequence” (8 points).

The paper is worth 50 points:
Structure and style of the paper are worth 8 points

>>>>>>>>>Please… don’t forget to give your paper a TITLE <<<<<<<<

BE SURE TO CITE ANY SECONDARY RESOURCES THAT INFLUENCE YOUR ANSWER.

THE ESSAY MUST BE TYPED. LENGTH: DOUBLE SPACED, TIMES NEW ROMAN 12 (BETWEEN 2900 AND 3500 WORDS)

6-8 3-5 1-2 0
Introduction
Preliminary accurate overview of the argument to be developed
General overview of your argument
Mention some aspects of your argument
Short introduction
Use of primary
Sources

Citations from the texts. Use philosophically appropriate language and terminology Some citations and quotations from text and handouts

Mention the texts with very few citations and quotations Mention the texts with no direct citations and quotations
Text Analysis and Explanation of the Problem

Original analysis and accurate explanation of the problem
No original analysis and no original explanation but good claims
Sound analysis with unsupported and unfounded claims
Little analysis; no explicit claims
Interpretation and
Conclusion of your argument Connect your reasoning in order to bring to light intriguing implications. Summarize your argument and write the