Aristotle's Ethics: Nicomachean and Eudemian Themes

This Element examines the philosophical themes in Aristotle's Nicomachean and Eudemian Ethics, focusing on happiness, voluntary and choice, the doctrine of the mean, character virtues, temperamental means, virtues of thought, akrasia, pleasure, friendship, and luck. It emphasizes Aristotle's treatment of virtues of character and thought and their relation to happiness, making him the quintessential virtue ethicist.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 09 June 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This essay examines the philosophical themes presented in Aristotle's Nicomachean and Eudemian Ethics. Topics covered include happiness, voluntary and choice, the doctrine of the mean, particular virtues of character and temperamental means, virtues of thought, akrasia, pleasure, friendship, and luck. Special attention has been paid to Aristotle's treatment of virtues of character and thought and their relation to happiness, the reason why Aristotle is considered the quintessential virtue ethicist. The virtues of character have not received the attention they deserve in most discussions of the relationship between the two treatises.

Happiness is one of the central themes in both Nicomachean and Eudemian Ethics. Aristotle defines happiness as the ultimate end of human life and argues that it is achieved through a combination of moral and physical virtues. He believes that happiness is not just a matter of pleasure or enjoyment, but also involves a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

The concept of voluntary and choice is also explored in both treatises. Aristotle argues that human beings are rational creatures and that they can choose to act in certain ways based on their beliefs and values. He believes that voluntary and choice is essential for achieving happiness and that people should strive to make choices that are in line with their virtuous character.

The doctrine of the mean is another important theme in Aristotle's ethics. He argues that the ideal way to live is to balance extremes of behavior, such as excess and deficiency. The mean is a middle ground that allows people to achieve happiness and avoid the pitfalls of excess and deficiency.

Aristotle also discusses the particular virtues of character and temperamental means. He believes that certain virtues, such as courage, justice, and wisdom, are essential for achieving happiness and that people should strive to develop these virtues in themselves. He also discusses the importance of temperamental means, such as self-control and moderation, in achieving happiness.

Virtues of thought, such as reason, knowledge, and understanding, are also discussed in both Nicomachean and Eudemian Ethics. Aristotle argues that these virtues are essential for achieving happiness and that they allow people to make informed choices and live a virtuous life. He also discusses the dangers of akrasia, or irrational desire, and how it can lead to unhappiness.

Pleasure, friendship, and luck are also important themes in Aristotle's ethics. He believes that pleasure is an essential component of happiness and that people should strive to enjoy life and cultivate good relationships with others. He also discusses the role of luck in achieving happiness and the importance of being prepared for unexpected events.

Aristotle's treatment of virtues of character and thought is particularly noteworthy. He argues that virtues of character are essential for achieving happiness and that they involve developing a habit of acting in certain ways that are in line with one's beliefs and values. He also argues that virtues of thought are essential for achieving happiness and that they involve developing a habit of thinking in certain ways that are in line with one's beliefs and values.

Aristotle's ethics is considered the quintessential virtue ethicist because of his emphasis on the importance of virtues of character and thought in achieving happiness. He believes that these virtues are essential for living a good life and that they are the foundation of a just and peaceful society. His ethics has had a profound impact on Western philosophy and has been influential in shaping the moral and ethical beliefs of countless individuals and societies.

ISBN-13: 9781108706575