Aristotle’s theory of the moral virtues and the morally virtuous individual

Critically discuss Aristotle’s theory of the moral virtues and the morally virtuous individual. Exposition (about 4.5 pages): (a) How does Aristotle define ‘moral virtue’ or ‘virtue of character’? What is A.’s doctrine of the mean? How does he argue for it? What are some of the virtues, their pairs of vices, and their spheres of conduct, emotional responses, and/or desires? (b) Explain two important virtues, their vices, and spheres of conduct and/or emotional responses or desires in some detail. (Note the virtue of friendship or being an excellent friend is not an option since Books VIII. and IX of N.E. are not on the syllabus in this course.) Explain some quantitative and qualitative features of these two virtues and their vices. [For help on this, see file “Aristotle on Virtues”.] (Choose two virtues that will figure prominently in your “Application” section.) (c) Why is exercise of virtues pleasant? (Be sure to reconstruct Aristotle’s argument fully.) (d) Explain briefly what practical wisdom is. Why is practical wisdom key for genuine moral virtue? (Bk VI). (e) How does one acquire moral virtues? What are the roles of training, experience, and knowledge? (Books II and VI) Application (about 1.5 pages): Consider a famous person or fictional character (from literature, television, or film) you believe has/had these two virtues. Defend your attribution of these two virtues to the individual by citing patterns in his/her/their conduct and/or emotional reactions or desires (describe 2-4 relevant incidents for each virtue). Is there any information about the individual or character, which you lack, but would need to be assured s/he/they possesses/d these virtues rather than mere moral strength/continence in the relevant spheres (Bk VII)? Analysis and Evaluation (about 2.5-3 pages): (a) Do you agree that the two virtues you focused on are excellent character traits for any rational person living in a community? Can you devise good arguments for them in terms of their intrinsic and /or instrumental value? (b) A. believes that, if a person has one virtue, s/he/they will have them all (N.E., VI. 13. 1144b30-1145a2). In light of this doctrine, consider the following. How do some of the various virtues relate to one another? For example, do some enable or make others possible? Do some virtues reinforce each other? Do some overlap with others? (For instance, could one be generous if one were not self-controlled/temperate in some respects?) (c) Raise one significant objection to A’s theory of the moral virtues. (For instance, one could argue that (i) the concept of one of the virtues you focused on needs to be changed in some significant way(s) or (ii) A. has omitted a key virtue. (If you add a virtue, is it a mean between two extremes or vices? Also, if you add a virtue, be sure to consider whether aspects of the virtue are captured in one or more of the virtues A. does explicate.)) How would or could A. reply to this alleged problem? Is this reply adequate? If not, does this defect indicate that A’s theory is fundamentally flawed or only in need of some fine-tuning/tweaking? Explain and defend your views.