Essay Sample on Virtue: Aristotle's Perspective on Exceptional Human Attributes

Introduction

Within the philosophical sphere, when discussing matters regarding the aspect of virtue, it merely means the possession of exceptional attributes among human beings such that an individual would portray a highly moral character which is likable and well attractive to others. According to Aristotle's perspective, he was of the thought that the element of virtue was not evident in the actions of people in their essence but rather the type of human beings different people are (Mitchell, 2018). As a result of such a perspective, Aristotle had the thought that people could easily engage in good deeds. However, he argued that engaging in such acts could not result in a person becoming a superior human being or a virtuous individual (Mitchell, 2018). According to Aristotle, the character depicted by a particular individual tends to create an exemplary person who is ethically upright (Mitchell, 2018). However, becoming a principled person does not take place overnight but instead develops over a specific duration; an aspect which consequently results in a society with virtue. Therefore, Aristotle had the belief that human beings would be able to get along with each other quickly and thus enjoy happy lives if only society were based on the element of virtue.

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In addition to explaining the perspective that society needs to be based on the aspect of virtue through discussing Aristotle, this paper will delve further and provide an explanation of one version of the theory in question. Therefore, a version of the social contract theory that will be discussed in this paper is known as the John Locke approach. According to this particular theory, John Locke argued that the social contract theory was developed for purposes of safeguarding the most exceptional attributes that human beings possess (Mitchell, 2018). The traits in question primarily entail the legal rights of an individual. Such rights may be inscribed within the constitution or the bible, which would tend to mean that God gives them (Mitchell, 2018). Therefore, putting the information above into consideration, the social contract theory merely means that no human being is in a position to hurt another human being by engaging in actions or activities that have the capability of jeopardizing the life of other people, their proprietary rights or even their freedom.

Last but not least, this write-up will also provide an illustration of my understanding regarding the classical as well as the social contract approach to the element of justice. Moreover, it will further incorporate illustrative examples from contemporary political life. Therefore, based on my perspective, which informs my understanding, the social contract approach to the issues of justice insinuates to the landscape that a particular human being has accountabilities, which are both respectful as well as legislative (Mitchell, 2018). Such responsibilities tend to rely upon agreements between human beings to design the society in which they exist (Mitchell, 2018). Excellent examples of the social contract theory are the elements of freedom as well as justice; aspects which tend to apply to criminals who have the potential of committing further crimes.

On the other hand, regarding the classical contract idea, is it an aspect of utilitarianism, which tends to mean achieving more satisfaction than disappointment (Mitchell, 2018). An excellent example of the classical contract approach is the dilemma of a doctor who is required to save the lives of several people but can only manage to keep a small fraction of the overall number alive. In such a case, in addition to being ethically correct, the doctor would still be considered as a good man by saving those within his ability and letting others lose their lives.

References

Mitchell, H. B. (2018). Roots of Wisdom: A Tapestry of Philosophical Traditions. Cengage Learning.