Nicomachean Ethics

Author - Aristotle

In this foundational work of Western philosophy, Aristotle explores the nature of happiness (eudaimonia), virtue, and the good life. He argues that true fulfillment is found through practicing virtue and cultivating wisdom, offering insights that continue to shape ethical and moral philosophy today.

Genre - Philosphical

Notes: Nicomachean Ethics

• • The main goal of life is to achieve eudaimonia, which is often translated as happiness or flourishing.
• • Eudaimonia isn't just a feeling; it's about living well and doing well.
• • To understand happiness, we need to understand the unique function of humans.
• • Our unique function is our capacity for reason, our ability to think and act rationally.
• • Therefore, living a good human life means living according to reason.
• • Virtues are character traits that help us live according to reason.
• • Virtues are not inborn; they are developed through practice and habit.
• • We become just by doing just acts, and temperate by doing temperate acts.
• • There are two main types of virtues: moral virtues and intellectual virtues.
• • Moral virtues are about finding the right balance or "mean" between extremes.
• • For example, courage is the mean between cowardice and recklessness.
• • Generosity is the mean between stinginess and extravagance.
• • Finding the mean is not always the exact middle; it depends on the situation and the person.
• • It's hard to be virtuous; it requires effort and good judgment.
• • Intellectual virtues are about the mind and understanding.
• • These include wisdom, understanding, and practical wisdom (phronesis).
• • Practical wisdom is crucial for moral virtues because it helps us figure out the right action in specific situations.
• • A virtuous person has good judgment and knows what to do.
• • We need to experience pleasure and pain correctly to develop moral virtues.
• • Pleasure and pain guide us towards or away from good actions.
• • To be truly virtuous, one must want to do the virtuous thing.
• • Acting virtuously by chance or under compulsion doesn't make you virtuous.
• • We choose our actions, and therefore we are responsible for our character.
• • The voluntary and involuntary actions are important for understanding responsibility.
• • We are responsible for voluntary actions, those we initiate with knowledge.
• • Involuntary actions are done under compulsion or ignorance.
• • Deliberation is key to voluntary action; we think about our choices.
• • The highest good is contemplation, the exercise of our rational faculty at its best.
• • Contemplation is the most self-sufficient and enjoyable activity.
• • But a life of contemplation alone might be too difficult for most people.
• • Therefore, a life of moral virtue is also essential for flourishing.
• • Friendship is also a vital part of a happy life.
• • There are three types of friendship: based on utility, pleasure, and virtue.
• • Friendships based on utility and pleasure are less stable.
• • Friendships based on virtue are the strongest and most lasting.
• • Good friends help us practice virtue and see ourselves clearly.
• • Justice is another important virtue, dealing with fairness in society.
• • Distributive justice is about fair distribution of goods.
• • Corrective justice is about righting wrongs when they occur.
• • Political justice is about laws and how they promote the good of the community.
• • The best form of government is one that aims at the common good.
• • Aristotle discusses different forms of government like monarchy, aristocracy, and polity.
• • He also warns against their corruptions: tyranny, oligarchy, and democracy (mob rule).
• • The best practical government often involves a mix of elements.
• • A good ruler needs practical wisdom and virtue.
• • The state exists to help citizens live good lives.
• • The law plays a role in shaping character and promoting virtue.
• • However, laws can't cover every situation; individual judgment is still needed.
• • The purpose of the book is to guide people towards living the best possible life.
• • It's a practical guide, not just a theoretical discussion.
• • Ultimately, living a virtuous life, guided by reason, is the path to eudaimonia.