Aristotle’s virtue ethics
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Aristotle’s virtue ethics
I studied philosophy quite a bit as an undergraduate almost twenty years ago. I recently decided to resume studying and practicing philosophy. Currently, I have been reading the Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle. His central argument seems to be that we need to be taught how to be a good person first. After this, good works will follow naturally. How do you interpret Aristotle and do you agree with him?
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Re: Aristotle’s virtue ethics
The development of character is of central importance, but Aristotle’s ethics is not a one size fits all solution. The guiding question is the question of the good life and eudaimonia, often translated as happiness, but flourishing is in some ways closer. The question of the good life cannot be adequately addressed without asking: what is good? We all seek what is good but not everything we seek is good.His central argument seems to be that we need to be taught how to be a good person first. After this, good works will follow naturally. How do you interpret Aristotle and do you agree with him?
Aristotle situates the good life within the life of the city. And so, it would be a mistake to assume that by seeking what is good for me I ignore what is good for you. Although we are different there is still commonality. We desire good health, food, shelter, and peace, for example.
Another important term for Aristotle is phronesis, often translated as practical wisdom as well as prudence:
… it is thought to be the mark of a prudent man to be able to deliberate rightly about what is good and advantageous… it is a true state, reasoned, and capable of action with regard to things that are good or bad for man. We consider that this quality belongs to those who understand the management of households or states”. [N.E. 1140a24-1140b12].
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Re: Aristotle’s virtue ethics
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Re: Aristotle’s virtue ethics
Hopefully my phone did not kill to much of my spelling and hopefully the spelling from me is good.
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Re: Aristotle’s virtue ethics
2023/2024 Philosophy Books of the Month
Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul
by Mitzi Perdue
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Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness
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March 2023