Writing Homework Help

Answer ANY THREE of the questions listed below. 

Chapter 4: Aristotle

1. According to Aristotle, how do we acquire virtue?

Chapter 5: Epicurus

1. Although Epicurus is a hedonist, he is clearly opposed to vulgar hedonism. Can you find additional arguments for or against the theory of vulgar hedonism? Is it not terribly “ judgmental” for us to claim that some pleasures are “higher” or “ lower” than others? Shouldn’t we just tolerate and accept differences of opinion in this area? Or does it make more sense to argue that there is a natural hierarchy of pleasures and pains?

Chapter 6: St. Thomas Aquinas

4. How would St. Thomas defend himself (if, indeed, such a defense is possible) against the charge of being “homophobic” (a word that did not exist in his time, but which is fairly common today)? Would you find his defense plausible? Why or why not?

Chapter 7: Thomas Hobbes

6. Do you think that being self-interested is a bad thing? If so, why? If not, why not?