Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics
Aristotle claims that the study of ethics must begin by identifying the chief good for human beings, the end that all of us by nature seek. For Aristotle, this good is happiness. Many people disagree about exactly what happiness involves. Aristotle attempts to give a more precise account of happiness by determining the function of human beings. Just as a good flute player is one who plays the flute well, a good person will be one who fulfills the function of human beings. Aristotle argues that because humans are distinct from other animals insofar as they are rational, the function of human beings must be rational activity. Happiness, then, consists of excellent rational activity over the course of a complete life.
Attaining this sort of happiness requires certain virtues, states of character that involve firmly established dispositions to act, think, and feel in certain ways. Although we cannot precisely specify the nature of each virtue, each consists of a "mean" between extremes-in all areas of our lives, we must avoid excess and deficiency. The virtue of courage, for example, consists of a disposition to neither flee from every battle nor to rashly pursue the enemy at all costs. Aristotle divides the virtues into two classes: moral virtues and intellectual virtues. Whereas the intellectual virtues are acquired by learning and involve the rational part of the soul, the moral virtues come about as a result of habit, and govern our emotions and appetites. Because we can become virtuous only by performing virtuous acts, moral education is of upmost importance on Aristotle's view.
Aristotle spends most of the book discussing the nature of particular virtues, and their role in the good life. In the end he concludes that although any life of virtue is valuable, the best kind of life is one of rational contemplation. Setting up a society in which people can attain this sort of life is therefore of the utmost importance, and is the goal of politics.
-The final good is:
A) that for the sake of which we seek everything else.
B) that which is preferred to everything else.
C) that which requires nothing else.
D) all of the above.
Correct Answer:
Verified
Q15: Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics
Aristotle claims that the study
Q16: Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics
Aristotle claims that the study
Q17: Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics
Aristotle claims that the study
Q18: Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics
Aristotle claims that the study
Q19: Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics
Aristotle claims that the study
Q21: Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics
Aristotle claims that the study
Q22: Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics
Aristotle claims that the study
Q23: Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics
Aristotle claims that the study
Q24: Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics
Aristotle claims that the study
Q25: Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics
Aristotle claims that the study
Unlock this Answer For Free Now!
View this answer and more for free by performing one of the following actions
Scan the QR code to install the App and get 2 free unlocks
Unlock quizzes for free by uploading documents