History of Virtue Ethics
Philosopher Martha Nussbaum briefly traces the history of virtue ethics, from Aristotle through Kant. She notes that the major theories of virtue have all included strong criticism of traditional social norms, and rejects the notion that virtue ethi...
Is Ethics Based on Character?: Character-based Ethics
Until recent decades modern ethics was dominated by two approaches that focus on action. The movement that focuses on character rather than action has come to be known as virtue ethics. Looking at ethics in terms of who you are and how your life is ...
Human Flourishing
Philosopher Martha Nussbaum looks at Aristotle's ideas about the goal of both personal life and political planning. She says it was based on the idea of human flourishing, rather than simply happiness or contentment.
Philosophy, Justice, and the Meaning of Life
Philosopher Martha Nussbaum explains that Greek philosophers tried to convince people to consult them with their problems, rather than going to astrologers and magicians. Professor Nussbaum notes that philosophy can play an important role in society...
Individual and the Community, The
Philosopher Martha Nussbaum discusses the relationship between the individual self and the community. She maintains that even with a spirit of altruism at work, even with an awareness of and concern for the community and the family unit, it is very ...
Moral Dilemmas...Can Ethics Help?: Moral Dilemmas...Can Ethics Help?
The parents and medical staff caring for a premature baby struggling for life are faced with the decision of whether or not to continue treatment. Philosopher Immanuel Kant, whose ideas have influenced modern medical ethics, would answer such a ques...
What is Philosophy?: Relationship of Philosophy to Other Fields of Thought
What is philosophy? How is it related to other fields of thought? How is it different? In response to these questions, nine preeminent scholars create an insightful view of philosophy and the role it plays in contemporary society.
Are We Social Beings?: Identity and Culture
"Are We Social Beings?" looks at the relationship between personality and culture while contrasting the atomistic and societal views of the self represented by Descartes and Hegel. Using the endangered culture of the Laplanders in Sweden as the basi...
Aristotle and Social Democracy
Philosopher Martha Nussbaum talks about Aristotle's efforts to map out the basis for "...a very rich political approach for the contemporary world." Professor Nussbaum observes that Aristotle believed it was the job of political planning to give peo...
Ancient Views of the Self
Philosopher Martha Nussbaum talks about the split among the ancient Greeks between those, like Aristotle, who thought the body was an essential part of the self, and those like Plato, who believed that the body was merely "...a prison house for the ...