Assignment 4: Essay on Virtue in Socrates and Aristotle
Course Information
This assignment is intended for courses in Ethics, Moral Philosophy, Ancient Philosophy, or Introduction to Philosophy (e.g., PHIL 201, ETHC 101, CLAS 300, or equivalent). It is formatted for direct use in learning management systems such as Canvas, Moodle, or Blackboard.
Weight and Due Date
25% of final grade
Due: [Insert date, e.g., Week 11, Sunday 11:59 PM submitted via LMS]
Late submissions incur a 5% daily penalty without approved extension.
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Learning Outcomes
- Interpret and explain Socrates’ intellectualist view of virtue as presented in Plato’s early dialogues.
- Analyse Aristotle’s account of moral virtue and its relation to habit, reason, and the doctrine of the mean.
- Compare and evaluate contrasting approaches to moral philosophy in ancient Greek thought.
- Support philosophical claims with accurate references to primary texts.
Task Description
Write a 1,200–1,500 word essay (excluding bibliography) comparing Socrates’ claim that “virtue is knowledge” with Aristotle’s theory of virtue in the Nicomachean Ethics.
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Structure your essay around these questions:
- How does Socrates argue that virtue is knowledge and that no one does wrong willingly (draw mainly on Protagoras, Meno, and references in Apology)?
- What is Aristotle’s conception of moral virtue, including the role of habituation, practical wisdom (phronesis), and the doctrine of the mean (Nicomachean Ethics Books II–III and VI)?
- In what ways do these views agree and differ, and which provides a more adequate account of moral weakness and ethical development?
Your analysis should include critical discussion rather than mere summary.
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Requirements
- Word count: 1,200–1,500 words (stated on first page).
- Formatting: Double-spaced, 12-point font (Times New Roman or similar), 1-inch margins.
- Citation style: MLA or Chicago notes-bibliography recommended for philosophy/humanities.
- Sources: Direct engagement with primary texts (Plato’s relevant dialogues and Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics). Include at least two peer-reviewed secondary sources.
- Originality: All submissions processed through plagiarism detection software.
- Submission: Upload as Word or PDF, filename LastName_FirstName_Assignment4.
Grading Rubric
| Criteria | Excellent (A range: 80–100%) | Good (B range: 70–79%) | Satisfactory (C range: 60–69%) | Needs Improvement (below 60%) | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding of Primary Texts | Detailed, accurate interpretation of Socrates’ intellectualism and Aristotle’s virtue theory with precise textual references. | Accurate overall with relevant references. | Adequate but with some inaccuracies or limited references. | Major errors or superficial treatment. | 30% |
| Comparison and Critical Evaluation | Insightful comparison highlighting key similarities/differences; thoughtful assessment of strengths and limitations. | Clear comparison with reasonable evaluation. | Basic comparison; limited critical depth. | Descriptive; little evaluation. | 30% |
| Argument and Organisation | Strong, focused thesis; logical structure; effective use of evidence. | Clear thesis and organisation; evidence supports claims. | Thesis present; adequate structure. | Weak thesis or disorganised. | 20% |
| Sources and Citation | Seamless integration of at least two scholarly sources; accurate citation. | Appropriate use; minor issues. | Minimal use; some errors. | Inadequate sources or errors. | 10% |
| Writing Quality | Clear, engaging academic style; free of errors. | Clear with minor issues. | Readable but awkward in places. | Errors affect clarity. | 10% |
Socrates maintains that genuine virtue requires knowledge of the good, and wrongdoing stems from ignorance rather than weakness of will. True moral understanding ensures correct action because no one knowingly chooses harm. Aristotle, while respecting this intellectual element, insists that moral virtues develop through repeated practice and habituation, not solely intellectual insight. Practical wisdom guides the application of the mean between excess and deficiency in emotions and actions. Socrates’ view risks overlooking akrasia, cases where individuals act against better judgment, which Aristotle addresses by distinguishing intellectual from moral virtues. Jessica Moss argues that Aristotle refines rather than rejects Socratic intellectualism by incorporating non-rational aspects of the soul while preserving the necessity of reason (Moss, J. (2021) Aristotle on the Apparent Good: Perception, Phantasia, Thought, and Desire. Oxford: Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199656349.001.0001).
Works Cited
- Plato (1997) Complete Works. Edited by J. M. Cooper. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing.
- Aristotle (2014) Nicomachean Ethics. Translated by C. D. C. Reeve. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing.
- Moss, J. (2021) Aristotle on the Apparent Good: Perception, Phantasia, Thought, and Desire. Oxford: Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199656349.001.0001.
- Kristjánsson, K. (2018) Virtuous Emotions. Oxford: Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/oso/9780198808674.001.0001.
- Annas, J. (2019) ‘Virtue and Law in Plato and Beyond’, in Oxford Studies in Ancient Philosophy, vol. 57, pp. 1–36. doi:10.1093/oso/9780198837114.003.0001.
- Irwin, T. H. (2020) ‘Aristotle on Virtue and Happiness’, in The Cambridge Companion to Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (reprint edition), pp. 123–145.
