Problem
I. Aristotle believed that virtues are not passive states, but instead are active states.
i. What is the distinction between an active state and a passive state?
ii. Why does Aristotle believe virtue is active and not passive?
iii. Explain what Aristotle means by "morally continent".
II. Consider the following scenario and then explain the position a Consequentialist and a Deontologist would adopt:
"Jan has robbed a grocery store of all of its food. Why? She is going to her cabin for the winter and does not want to worry about buying food while she is there. On her way to the cabin, Jan is in an area of town that does not have easy access to grocery stores. While in this part of town, her van's doors accidentally fall open and all of the stolen food spills out. The residents see the food tumbling from the van and are overjoyed at the kindness of the stranger."
i. Would the Consequentialist believe Jan's actions were morally good or bad? Why?
ii. Would the Deontologist believe Jan's actions were morally good or bad? Why?