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Aristotle 's Formulation Vs. Ed Harris ' Views On Virtue Ethics

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Virtue Ethics Short Paper
Aristotle’s formulation vs. Ed Harris’ views on virtue ethics The role of virtue ethics in engineering is one often overlooked by engineering students and those beginning this profession. The theory impounded by Ed Harris that described the importance of virtues to engineer’s is one I strongly agree with. Also, these ethical virtues can be applied and studied only because of Aristotle’s brilliantly clear and concise definition of ethical concepts.
Aristotle’s extensive definition of ethics led to one of the most important concepts: Virtue Ethics. Virtue Ethics as defined by Aristotle emphasizes on how virtues that we practice affect our character, wellbeing and most importantly our behavior. Three key concepts …show more content…

The third concept is called ‘Telos’ which means an end, purpose or goal. Aristotle used this term because in order to achieve Arête and Eudemonia, we must first have knowledge and understanding of our purpose or goal in life.
Aristotle defined two types of virtues in his books. The first are virtues of thought. These can be gained through teaching and experience. Aristotle defined multiple terms which included practical judgment, skill of making, explicit reasoning and grasping the nature of things. In contrast, he defined virtues of character as those gained through practice and habits. Aristotle also described these as moral and intellectual virtues or ‘Cardinal Virtues’. The first is Prudence, which means having practical judgment. Essentially, knowing the correct action in every scenario. The second is Temperance, which means moderation; in other words, understanding and practicing restraint and control of excessive actions. The third virtue is Courage, which is being able to overcome fear and uncertainty when facing difficult situations. The fourth and last cardinal virtue is Justice, the realization and application of things that are considered righteous.
Ed Harris in his paper called “The Good Engineer” explains the virtues he finds apply best from Aristotle’s formulation of Virtue Ethics. He reviews five of these virtues. The first is that professional virtues have traits “that includes emotions,

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