Explain briefly how Aristotle defines virtue in terms of the doctrine of the mean.

Part One (Essay)

Virtue Assignment, Enron and The Corporation

Length: 750 words (approximately)

Explain briefly how Aristotle defines virtue in terms of the doctrine of the mean.

Use an example of one of the virtues we discussed to illustrate the concept; or you can use your own example of a virtue, by make sure that it illustrates Aristotle’s concept of the doctrine of the mean.

Enron – The Smartest Guys in The Room (suomenkielinen tekstitys)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDyMz1V-GSg

Skilling liked “guys with spikes.”

what does that phrase mean?

does it connote something morally valuable? why or why not?

What would Aristotle’s theory of virtue have to say about whether being a “guy with spikes” is a virtue or not?

Film The Corporation

The film explores the idea that a Corporation is a person by examining its personality traits. We can think of these as analogous to “character traits.”

Considering the traits explored in the film, what do you think of the characterization of the Corporation in terms of psychopathy?

Can a psychopath be virtuous in Aristotle’s sense?
Do you think that “making profit” is a virtue? Would it satisfy Aristotle’s idea of a virtue as a mean between extremes? Why or why not?
Do you agree with Aristotle’s analysis? Why or why not?

Part 2 (Discussion)
1/2 page for each discussion topic.
Attachments are related reading material.

1.Virtue, Enron and The Corporation

As you think about Aristotle’s doctrine of the mean and how it applies to the people in Enron and to some of the people portrayed in The Corporation, how well do you think the doctrine of the mean captures what may be wrong about some of their behaviors and what would be virtuous behavior?

What do you think about Aristotle’s idea that you can’t be a well-functioning, flourishing human being without virtue?

2.Reflecting on Aristotle’s doctrine of the mean ,can you think of ways in which you would incorporate this in your life to cultivate habits or character traits?

Aristotle thinks that it is a method for cultivating/developing good character traits (or virtues)

What do you think of his reasoning for that? Can you think of virtues that would not meet his definition, and if so, why or why not?

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