Thesis Statement: Aristotle’s virtue theory emphasizes the development of moral character and the pursuit of eudaimonia, or human flourishing. In the scenario of the burning building with Abuela and Domingo Ash, Aristotle would consider the moral stakes to be the cultivation of virtues such as courage and magnanimity. While both Abuela and Domingo Ash should respond to the situation, Aristotle’s theory would not require them to do the same thing, as their individual circumstances and character traits differ. Aristotle’s moral guidance can be considered good as it focuses on the overall development of virtuous individuals, leading to a flourishing society.
Relevant Aspects of Aristotle’s Virtue Theory:
Virtue as a Mean: Aristotle posits that virtues lie between extremes and are achieved by finding the right balance. For instance, courage is a virtue that lies between recklessness and cowardice. In the burning building scenario, this means that both Abuela and Domingo Ash should exhibit the right amount of courage, neither being too reckless nor too cowardly.
Moral Character: According to Aristotle, virtues are not innate but are developed through habituation and practice. Moral character is formed by repeatedly performing virtuous actions. Thus, Abuela and Domingo Ash’s response to the situation will depend on their individual character development.
Eudaimonia: Aristotle’s ultimate goal is eudaimonia, which is achieved through a life of virtue and flourishing. In this scenario, the moral stakes involve the pursuit of eudaimonia for both Abuela and Domingo Ash.
Response of Abuela and Domingo Ash:
Abuela: Given Abuela’s fear of fire and traumatic past experience, Aristotle would understand her hesitation to enter the burning building. Her response should be guided by her own virtue of caution, which may lead her to call emergency services and ensure that help is on its way. While courage is an important virtue, forcing Abuela to enter the building against her instincts would not align with Aristotle’s virtue theory.
Domingo Ash: As a world-renowned firefighter, Domingo Ash has developed a virtuous character with a strong sense of courage. Aristotle would expect Domingo Ash to respond by using his training, skills, and equipment to enter the burning building and rescue the children. His actions align with his developed virtue of bravery.
Argument for Aristotle’s Moral Guidance: Aristotle’s moral guidance can be considered good due to several reasons:
Individual Development: By focusing on the cultivation of virtues, Aristotle’s theory promotes personal growth and character development. It encourages individuals to strive for excellence and moral perfection.
Contextual Approach: Aristotle’s virtue theory takes into account individual circumstances and context. It acknowledges that different people may have different virtues and responses based on their unique experiences and character traits.
Flourishing Society: Aristotle believes that virtuous individuals contribute to a flourishing society. By fostering moral character, his theory promotes a harmonious community where individuals act in accordance with virtuous principles.
Counterargument against Aristotle’s Moral Guidance: While Aristotle’s moral guidance has several strengths, there are potential counterarguments:
Subjectivity: Determining what virtues are appropriate in specific situations can be subjective. Different interpretations may lead to conflicting moral judgments.
Cultural Bias: Aristotle’s theory was developed in a specific cultural context and may not be universally applicable. Different cultures may have diverse understandings of virtues and ethical principles.
Neglect of Consequences: One criticism of virtue ethics is that it does not adequately consider the consequences of actions. Focusing solely on character development might overlook the potential harm caused by certain actions.
In conclusion, Aristotle’s virtue theory provides a framework for understanding the relevance of moral character in the scenario of the burning building with Abuela and Domingo Ash. While both individuals should respond according to their cultivated virtues, their actions may differ due to their unique circumstances. Overall, Aristotle’s moral guidance can be seen as positive since it promotes personal growth, considers contextual factors, and aims for a flourishing society. However, there may be counterarguments regarding subjectivity, cultural bias, and neglect of consequences within his theory.
