Nicomachean Ethics

In Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 13, Aristotle introduces his conception of “virtue.” Explain the general relation between virtue and the soul (according to Aristotle). Next, explain Aristotle’s distinction between virtues of thought and virtues of character.

find the cost of your paper

Sample Answer

 

 

In Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 13, Aristotle introduces his conception of “virtue” as a state of character that enables us to act well. He argues that virtue is a kind of mean, or balance, between two extremes. For example, the virtue of courage is a mean between the extremes of rashness and cowardice.

Aristotle also distinguishes between two types of virtue: virtues of thought and virtues of character. Virtues of thought are those that involve the use of reason, such as wisdom and phronesis (practical wisdom). Virtues of character are those that involve our emotions and desires, such as courage and temperance.

Full Answer Section

 

 

The general relation between virtue and the soul (according to Aristotle) is that virtue is a state of the soul that enables us to act well. The soul is divided into two parts: the rational part and the non-rational part. The rational part is responsible for our thoughts and our ability to reason. The non-rational part is responsible for our emotions and our desires.

Virtues of thought are those that are located in the rational part of the soul. They are acquired through learning and practice. Virtues of character are those that are located in the non-rational part of the soul. They are acquired through habituation.

Aristotle argues that virtues of character are more important than virtues of thought because they are more essential for living a good life. He says that “the virtues of character are more necessary than the virtues of thought, and the former are more closely related to happiness.”

He also argues that virtues of character are more difficult to acquire than virtues of thought. He says that “the virtues of character arise from habit, while the virtues of thought arise from teaching.”

Aristotle’s distinction between virtues of thought and virtues of character has been influential in subsequent philosophical thought. It has been used to argue that there are different types of knowledge and that different types of knowledge are acquired in different ways. It has also been used to argue that there are different types of happiness and that different types of happiness are achieved in different ways.

Here are some additional points about Aristotle’s conception of virtue:

  • Virtue is not the same as pleasure or happiness. Pleasure is a feeling that we experience when we get what we want. Happiness is a state of well-being that we experience when we are living a good life. Virtue is necessary for happiness, but it is not sufficient. We also need to have other things, such as friends, family, and good health.
  • Virtue is not the same as knowledge. Knowledge is the understanding of what is true and false. Virtue is the ability to act in accordance with that knowledge. We can have knowledge of what is right and wrong, but we may not always act in accordance with that knowledge. This is because our emotions and desires can sometimes get the better of us.
  • Virtue is not the same as perfection. No one is perfectly virtuous. We all make mistakes and act in ways that are not virtuous. However, we can strive to become more virtuous by learning from our mistakes and by practicing the virtues.

Aristotle’s conception of virtue is a complex and sophisticated one. It has been debated and discussed by philosophers for centuries. It is a conception of virtue that is still relevant today.

 

This question has been answered.

Get Answer