Ethical Theory: Kantian Ethics and Aquinas' Virtue Ethics
I. Introduction
Aim and purpose: To explore modern and medieval philosophy's ethical theory and virtue ethics.
Thesis Statement: This essay aims to shed light on the underexplored discipline of medieval philosophy through a comparative analysis of the intersection between Kant's ethics of action and Aquinas' virtue ethics.
II. Overview of Kantian and Aquinasian ethics
A brief introduction to Kant's ethical framework, which is based on moral obligation and the categorical imperative.
Introduce Aquinas's virtue ethics based on cultivating moral excellence by following rational principles and natural law.
III. Comparing Kant and Aquinas
Discuss similarities and differences between Kant's emphasis on moral duty and Aquinas' emphasis on virtue.
Explore the philosophical underpinnings of each thinker's ethical framework.
Identify key concepts such as categorical imperative and cardinal virtues.
IV. The Intersection of Kantian Ethics and the Virtue Ethics of Aquinas
Analyze how Kant's emphasis on moral duty intersects with Aquinas' virtue ethics framework.
Examine how Kant's universalizability of maxims agrees with Aquinas's pursuit of virtuous behavior according to natural law.
Comparison of Kant's conception of moral duty with Aquinas's conception of the cardinal virtues as guides to ethical action.
V. Critical Analysis
Evaluate strengths and weaknesses of both Kantian and Aquinasian ethics.
Discuss how each framework complements or challenges the other.
Consider the implications of the intersection of modern and medieval ethical theories.
VI. Conclusion
Summarize the main points discussed in the paper.
Assertion of the importance of the study of the intersection between Kantian ethics and Aquinas's virtue ethics.
Emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary studies and suggest areas for further research and exploration in the field of ethical theory.