The moral law is inclined towards human reasoning
The moral law is inclined towards human reasoning as opposed to reasoning based on God, and it specified the right and wrong actions. Rather than reasoning on what actions should be considered bad or good, virtues can be used to guide our perception of the moral law by identifying and adopting specific attitudes to achieve certain fulfilments. Aristotle describes virtues as character traits that manifest through habitual actions, and good for all people to have. Virtues are essential for different reasons, and Aristotle states that virtues are vital since virtuous people live a better life.
Tolerance is a virtue that can be useful to people, but it should be applied to real-life situations appropriately. Tolerance can be fruitful as it can encourage a harmonious living among people with diverse culture Too much tolerance can make people angrier, and this can result in more redundant societies. Having less tolerance can also lead to wars as people may get fed up with each other and engage in practices that are not peaceful. For instance, our globalized world has brought together people from diverse cultures, but when hatred emerges, the world may not a safe place for everyone. The correct level of the tolerance virtue should be implemented to courage a peaceful and less redundant society.
Benevolence can also be a great virtue when applied appropriately, as it encourages people to be kind. Being too much kind can perceive one as being weak and this may make others to take advantage of one’s kindness. For instance, a person that shares too much can end up losing much of their fortunes and end up being poor as people take advantage of the situation. Having little kindness, on the other hand, may deter us from helping those who are in need of certain favors, which is not often the right thing to do. Individuals should use the correct degree of benevolence to have a better and happier life.
Civility can be a great virtue in encouraging etiquette or politeness in society. Civility can be illustrated among societies when people care for the identity of others without degrading them in the process. This virtue should also be applied appropriately among people as too much of it can result in issues being difficult to address vital and urgent matters in society. For instance, when people use polite approaches and words to define certain issues that need urgent attention, addressing the situation might be more difficult as it creates an attitude that does not enhance an objective analysis of the situation. Less civility can also support a toxic society, and individuals who do not engage in the right practices that is required of them. Civility is a remarkable virtue as it encourages individuals to do the right thing no matter the situation.
Compassion is a virtue that involves concern and sympathetic pity for the misfortunes and suffering of others. The virtue can be effective in enhancing fulfilment, happiness, and wellbeing as we care about others in society. Too much compassion, however, can have some drawbacks as people might forget to care about themselves and spend more time satisfying other people’s desires and pain. When compassion is not achieved, the society may lack love and the urge to help others in pain, which is opposite of what humanity is all about. Compassion should be practiced in a good manner to promote empathy and concern for the suffering of others.
Sources: James Rachels. THE ELEMENTS OF MORAL PHILOSOPHY, Retrieved from: file:///C:/Users/HP/Downloads/The-Elements-of-Moral-Philosophy-8th-Edition-B00VF6258S%20(1).pdf
Response to Aristotle’s Way
Indeed, the ancient Greeks had unmasked most secrets for living a happier life through simple actions that can improve our outcomes for the day. I agree that simple action, such as taking a cold shower in the morning, can be essential in preparing one to deal with unavoidable small dignities and tortures of the day. Concerning the matter of friendship, using mutual respect for the virtues held by each participant as the basis of thfriendship can be vital to maintaining lasting connections.