Aristotelian Approach: Teaching Character and Ethics

Introduction:

In “Can We Teach Character? An Aristotelian Answer” by Edwin M. Hartman, Hartman discussed about how one can improve another’s ethics by teaching them about good characters. (Hartman 68) and by teaching them “techniques for deciding what the right thing is” (Hartman 69). As Hartman mentioned, “ a person of good character in Aristotle's sense knows genuine strength and cowardice when s/he sees it.” (Hartman 75) meaning that a good character should be able to tell and recognize the difference between what’s good and what's bad. I agree with Hartman I believe that being able to identify what is right or wrong is very important. I grew up learning to do only the right things and not the wrong. However, if I cannot identify which

Some of the key ideas that Hartman discussed about in this article were revolved around the concept of teaching and defining what a good character is. Hartman started off his article by talking about generosity, honesty, courage and respect. Hartman also talked about how business ethics courses can help improve students’ character by helping them think about their values (Hartman 69). Hartman also discussed about how many people are “sincere but they are not courageous” (Hartman 73). Moreover, Hartman’s goal was to help encourage students “to consider their strengths and limitations, their opportunities, and what they can and cannot learn to enjoy” (Hartman 72) and “help students understand the importance of that choice and not make it thoughtlessly” (Hartman 79). Hartman answered if good character is teachable throughout his article. As Hartman stated, “We can begin to teach our students the necessary self-knowledge and self-control by encouraging them to reflect on their assumptions about what will make them happy.” (Hartman 71). Hartman illustrated that an “important function is to provide help for students to understand the language of right and wrong, of virtues and vices” (Hartman 75). Hartman believes that a “good character is therefore a matter not only of doing the right thing but also having the right desires and emotions” (Hartman