Nicomachean Ethics - Aristotle

Topics: Book 1, Headings 1-3, 7; Book 2, Headings 5-9, Book 5, Headings 6-8

What does Aristotle say about the goal of actions in Nicomachean Ethics?

All actions aim at some good, with the highest good being happiness, eudaimonia, which is sought for its own sake

Why is politics the ‘master art’ according to Aristotle in Nicomachean Ethics?

It aims at the good of the community (the greatest good) and dictates the aim of sciences around it

What does Aristotle say about ethical study in Nicomachean Ethics?

Ethical study cannot be exactly like mathematics or science because it deals with what is generally true, depending on practical judgement and context

According to Aristotle in Nicomachean Ethics, what is happiness?

The activity of the soul in accordance with virtue 

What is the human function according to Aristotle in Nicomachean Ethics?

Rational activity → reasoning and acting virtuously means living well

What is virtue according to Aristotle in Nicomachean Ethics?

It is a state of character that involves choice guided by reason, and enables a person to perform their function well

What are moral virtues according to Aristotle in Nicomachean Ethics (ē)?

It is between the two extremes of excess and deficiency, and is determined by practical wisdom (phronēsis) → e.g. courage being between rashness and cowardice, temperance being between indulgence and insensibility

What are the key tests of virtue according to Aristotle in Nicomachean Ethics?

Pleasure and pain → a virtuous person finds pleasure in doing right and pain in doing wrong

What does one need in order to be virtuous according to Aristotle in Nicomachean Ethics?

Habit, self-discipline, and awareness, as well as an avoidance of extremes

What is justice according to Aristotle in Nicomachean Ethics?

The virtue concerned with fairness in relations between people, divided into:

• Distributive justice → fair allocation of goods and honours according to merit

• Rectificatory/corrective justice → fairness in transactions, restoring balance when wrongs occur

What is the important of reciprocity according to Aristotle in Nicomachean Ethics?

It ensures fairness in exchanges and keeps social and economic relations stable

What is equity according to Aristotle in Nicomachean Ethics?

It is a higher form of justice that allows for circumstances that can’t be anticipated by law → correct rigidity of written law

How does equitable judging work according to Aristotle in Nicomachean Ethics?

Equitable judging does not judge by the letter, but by the spirit of the law, aiming for fairness in all cases