When Aliens Attack

If aliens touched down on Earth and asked me what ethics is, I’d most likely say something Amillstetlian (a combination of Mill and Aristotle). I would say, ethics is learning to balance your virtues in such a way that produces the most happiness for society first, and yourself a close 2nd. The reason I say this is because although I happen to like Aristotle’s idea of vices and virtues the best, his analysis on how we deem whether or not an action is right is a bit plausible. Mill on the other hand does a very good job explaining whether or not an action is good, but the cost on the individual to achieve this may be too lofty. This combo theory puts society first, but gives the individual a reason to enjoy the gifts life gives them. Whether or not this is the best theory, that’s for the jury to decide. However, I do believe that this is the best way to go about life.

The Happy Medium

In the world of Aristotle, there are virtues and there are vices. However to Aristotle, it is not the job of man to be overly virtuous, nor consumed by vice. Take for example exorbitant generosity and greed. Although it would be very virtuous for someone to give all of his earnings to others, it certainly would not seem fair to leave himself penniless, especially if his earnings are hard-earned. At the same token, being greedy seems to be a vice that everbody has from time to time, and can bring out the worst in human nature. Imagine a man whom tried to take as much wealth as his capacity would allow. Surely this man is not living a moral life. It seems that no amount of wealth would be able to cleanse a man’s soul of all the rotten things this man would do in the name of greed. It seems in this case the happy medium is somebody who is altruistic. This person gives what he can but at the same does not give so much that it hinders him from being happy.