- 06 Apr, 2021
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Ethics
Aristotle holds that the virtuous person takes pleasure in acting virtuously, and that she performs virtuous acts with ease. Kant , on the other hand, argues that only actions done from the motive of duty alone have mortal worth. Kant’s examples of acting from duty feature individuals totally lacking in the inclination to act rightly; their actions seem praiseworthy in part because they are difficult.
Aristotle and Kant seem to disagree here. Do they? Is it more honorable to do the right action when it is difficult to do so, or when it is easy? Is there a way to reconcile Aristotle’s and Kant ‘s insights?
Please consider using these books:
*** Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals ( Immanuel Kant)
*** ***Nicomachean Ethics ( Aristotle)
and this if it is possible: Korsgaar, Christine M. “From Duty and for the Sake of the Noble: Kant and Aristotle on Morally Good Action.” In Stephen Engstrom & Jennifer Whiting (eds.), Aristotle, Kant, and the Stoics: Rethinking Happiness and Duty. Cambrige University Press (1996)