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Ethics Discussion

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Ethics Discussion

Part I: Normative Ethics

Normative ethics is primarily concerned with the difference between morally right and

wrong. According to Plato, art is morally wrong because it revolves around imitation and

illusions. As a result of imitation, art corrupts our minds by making people believe in non-

existent things. Arora, Nikhil, and Kaur agree with Plato that dramatic art is immoral because it

evokes emotions, thus making people recreate events that occur in art. For example, as evidenced

in the excerpt of Medea’s dramatic art where Medea kills Jason’s new wife due to jealousy, it is

unethical (Zuraikat, 2023). People can imitate such on-stage behavior in real life, thus creating a

state of chaos. We agree that dramatic art is wrong because it makes people imitate events that

occur on stage in real-life situations.

However, Armanjot and Kaur agree with Aristotle that art critically represents the nature

of human emotions. According to Aristotle, tragic arts can help the audience with dramatic

aesthetics that create the emotions of pity and fear. The development of such emotions can help

the audience to develop remorse and a feeling of being cleansed. Aristotle argued that tragedy

was more of an imitation of action and life and that the plot of a tragedy can have moral and

ethical lessons for the audience. For example, after attending the dramatic theatres, one can

understand the misery Medea underwent after killing her two children. We agree more with

Aristotle because he holds that tragic art can be used to create emotions of pity and fear in the

audience. Emotions can prevent the audience from imitating actions that are likely to cause harm

to them and others.

Part 2: Virtue Ethics

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Virtue ethics focuses primarily on personal virtues or the moral character of individuals.

We agree mainly with Aristotle that individuals develop differently through practical learning

and practice. Developing different virtues helps individuals to grow and flourish in society. For

instance, under Aristotle’s virtue ethics, individual character and actions should aim at achieving

what is good and just (Dimmock & Fisher, 2020). Thus, the virtue of a certain person can only

be manifested based on how the person operates. According to virtue ethics, a person can act

ethically by carrying out activities or actions that focus mainly on good intentions and purposes.

Personal Reflection

Mayank Arora: I think Aristotle’s view on virtue ethics is critical in understanding the current

ethics in our society. I agree with his view that developing virtuous activities is critical in helping

us to flourish and develop as people. As people, we all acquire life virtues through learning and

practice. For example, as Aristotle states, we can develop a moral character if we practice the

virtues of honesty, generosity, and justice in our lives. By practicing these virtues, I think we are

better positioned to make ethical decisions when facing different dilemmas.

Nikhil: I think tragic and dramatic art is morally and ethically wrong. These artworks are likely

to create a state of anarchy in case people imitate these artworks. For example, I think movies

that showcase crimes like robbery are likely to lead to increased crime in society if the members

of society imitate actions in these movies.

Armanjot Singh: I agree with Aristotle’s argument regarding virtue ethics. I think people can

develop ethical morals by practicing different virtues. For example, I think these virtues are

important in helping us to live a happy life. The more we practice different virtues, the more we

become ethical in our communities.

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Arashpreet Singh: I feel that tragic, dramatic art is likely to lead to the development of different

social vices. For example, if we watch dramatic violence, we may imitate such dramatic

practices in real-life situations.

Jap Simran Kaur: In my opinion, Aristotle is right in arguing that tragic, dramatic art can

evoke the emotions in the audience. These emotions will likely create a cleansing feeling and

help people avoid imitating unethical acts of tragedy. For example, after watching Medea’s

excerpt, people are likely to avoid committing social vices due to the fear of such acts destroying

their lives in the future.

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Reference

Dimmock, M., & Fisher, A. (2020). Aristotelian Virtue Ethics. Ethics and Society.

Zuraikat, M. J. (2023). The centrality of Medea in Gower’s ‘Tale of Jason and Medea.’ Acta

Scientiarum. Language and Culture, 45(2), e65059-e65059.