Three Moral Classes
What is the rarest type of person: born good, can become good through education, or ruled by desires?
Those who are born good
Which type of law comes from eternal, unchangeable moral principles?
Natural Law
What does rationalism prioritize in understanding the world?
Reason
According to Nicomachean Ethics, humans must work toward _______ to fulfill their potential.
Virtue
Legal realism emphasizes that law is shaped by ___________ and human experiences.
Social factors and personal judgment
Most people act morally only when they fear
Punishment
Positive law is created and enforced by
The state/gouvernment
Aristotle was an empiricist, but how did his method still connect to rationalism?
He used observation but also reason to classify and understand the world.
Aristotle said virtue lies between two
Extremes
Which approach sees the law as a set of rules applied strictly, regardless of context?
Legal Formalism
What does Aristotle believe education can do for some people, but not for all?
It can help some people become good, but it doesn’t work for those ruled by desires.
What does natural law rely on for humans to become aware of it?
Reason
How does rationalism differ from pure observation?
Rationalism uses logic and reasoning, not just what is seen.
What is the term for Aristotle’s idea of finding moderation between extremes?
The Golden Mean
Legal formalism focuses on the _______ of the law, not the people who apply it.
Text
According to Aristotle, which class of people are most common?
Those ruled by desire
If a positive law contradicts natural law, Aristotle would say it is
Invalid (and should not be obeyed)
Which of Aristotle's concepts ties reason to speech and account-giving?
Logos
In Nicomachean Ethics, how does Aristotle define happiness (eudaimonia)?
Living a virtuous life that fulfills human purpose
Legal realism sees judges as making decisions based on what factors?
Social, economic, and personal factors (not just legal rules)
Aristotle believed that in order for society to function well, these people (what role) must work to create and enforce laws.
Citizens/Legislators
Aristotle believed humans are political animals, meaning they naturally live in
Communities or structured societies
How does Aristotle’s "Golden Mean" reflect rational thinking in ethical choices?
It requires reason to find the balance between extremes in behavior.
According to Aristotle, how do laws and society contribute to people becoming virtuous?
Laws guide people to act rightly, helping them develop moral habits.
Aristotle would likely favor which approach — realism or formalism — based on his emphasis on reason and adapting to individual circumstances?
Legal realism