Lecture 3: Aristotle, the Bible, Boethius

Today's Lecture

I. Implications of Aristotle's Theory
II. Aristotle on Equality and Inequality
III. Introduction to the Bible
IV. Introduction to Boethius

I. Implications of Aristotle's Theory

1. Ethical values are absolute, universal
2. Virtuous action is an end in itself, not merely a second-best under the circumstances.
   Justice is not merely a compromise between competing interests.
   There is a "common good": all of our happinesses depend on participating in a just society.
   The city is a partnership, whose end (final cause) is living well (eudaemonia).
   
3. We have reliable, pre-scientific knowledge of ethics: common sense, consensus of wise people
   Scientific knowledge can supplement, correct common sense.
   
4. Moral virtue is a mean between two extremes:
   Cowardice ---Courage --- Foolhardiness
   
5. Friendship is essential to happiness
   Three forms of friendship:
   
   • Friendships of shared tastes, interests
   • Friendships of mutual advantage
   • True friendships: based on mutual recognition of virtue

II. Aristotle on Equality and Inequality

Justice is treating equals equally, and unequals unequally.

Who are equal?

Aristotle assumes that most societies are close to a state of justice, just as most organisms are close to a state of health.

All developed societies in A's times were based on slavery.

Consequently, Aristotle inferred that slavery must be just. This means that slaves are incapable of citizenship, freedom.

The Hebrew/Biblical tradition is quite different.

Hebrews are delivered from slavery in Egypt by God. Commanded to treat strangers as equals.

The Fall: all societies are radically unhealthy (spiritually speaking).

III. Overview of the Bible

Hebrew Bible ("Old Testament")

1. Pentateuch/Torah. 5 books of Moses. Genesis, Deuteronomy
2. Historical Books
3. Wisdom Literarure --including Psalms, Proverbs
4. Prophets

1. Four Gospels. Sermon on the Mount (Matthew)
2. Acts of the Apostles
3. Epistles. Letters, mostly by Paul, the apostle. Romans, I Corinthians
4. The Revelation. End of the world.

Infer what they believed about human nature.

What does the need for commandments, divine law, tell us about human beings?

Why these specific laws?

IV. Introduction to Boethius (475-525)

Last great author of ancient world, lived immediately before the onset of the Dark Ages in Western Europe.

Synthesis of Plato and Aristotle with the Christian religion.

Wrote The Consolation of Philosophy while on death row.

Woman speaking is Philosophy.

Parts I-VIII of Book III: refuting false ideas of happiness

Parts IX,X: true happiness identified

Phl 303 Home Page | Phl 303 Lecture Outlines | Philosophy Department | Prof. Koons | UT Austin Web Central