Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics

Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics

• Written around 350 BCE; one of Aristotle’s most important works.

• Explores ethics, human nature, and the purpose of life.

• Main idea: The good life (eudaimonia)

• Divided into 10 books

Eudaimonia (Happiness or Flourishing)

The highest human good, happiness or flourishing, the fulfillment of one’s potential through a virtuous life by reason.

The Function Argument

Human function is rational activity of the soul. A good life expresses this activity in a virtuous manner.

Virtue (Arete)

as a trait of character, manifested in habitual action

2 kind of Virtues:

• Moral virtues (courage, temperance, justice) → formed by habit, govern emotions/actions.

• Intellectual virtues (wisdom, understanding) → formed by teaching, govern reasoning.

Voluntary and Involuntary Actions

Voluntary actions are done with knowledge and intention; involuntary are from compulsion or ignorance.

Choice (prohairesis) is key to voluntary action,

involves deliberate decision-making.

Practical Wisdom (Phronesis)

The intellectual virtue to deliberate well in specific situations, guiding moral virtues to find the correct mean.

Doctrine of the Mean

Virtue lies between extremes of excess and deficiency. The mean depends on the person and situation.

Friendhsip (philia)

3 types: friendship of utility - based on mutual benefit, pleasure - shared enjoyment, th good - respect and amiratiln also the highest form

Moral Responsibility

choice and deliberation - Responsibility comes from voluntary actions done willingly

Pleasure and Its Role in the Good Life

Pleasure accompanies virtuous activity. happiness involves

finding pleasure in virtuous living.

The Contemplative Life (Theoria)

The highest activity is contemplation life, devoted to the pursuit of knowledge and

philosophical reflection. involve exercising reason

Structure of Nicomachean Ethics

The work is divided into 10 books,

Book I. Introduction to happiness (eudaimonia) and the human good.

Book II. Discussion of virtue as a mean and the nature of moral virtue.

Books III-V. Exploration of voluntary action, moral responsibility,

courage, and justice.

Books VI. Focus on intellectual virtues, including practical wisdom

(phronesis).

Books VII. Examination of self-control (continence) and incontinence.

Books VIII-IX. Discussion of friendship (philia) and its role in the

good life.

Book X. Conclusion, focusing on pleasure, the contemplative life, and

the highest form of happiness.