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Aristotle Research Paper

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Recommended: Aristotle's ethical writings virtue and happiness

Aristotle: The Father of Modern Ethics

Undoubtedly, the most prevalent author in the philosophical world throughout all of human history, Aristotle’s work has remained of the highest regard for some 2300 years. His historical resume includes many major developments in myriad fields that continue to be studied today, including astronomy, politics, zoology, logic and most notably, philosophy. Although he studied all of these topics, Aristotle stated that it was philosophy that was his true passion, and it could be argued that this passion, in turn, led to the magnitude of impact that he was able to have on the subject. Some of his major contributions in philosophy are those of an ethical nature, namely, his publications, Nicomachean Ethics …show more content…

Aristotle states in the very first lines of Nicomachean Ethics that “[e]very art and every inquiry, and similarly every action and pursuit, is thought to aim at some good; and for this reason the good has rightly been declared to be that at which all things aim.” This quote exemplifies to me that there is an end goal to everything, and the end goal of ethics is to achieve happiness. By making an ethical choice, even if it is not very difficult to do, it helps us to develop an ethical character. This is very important so that making ethical choices in the future will be natural and there will be no hesitation in your mind if you are making the right decision, because you will understand the importance that there is in being ethical. Next, Aristotle shows that we can be ethical through performing virtuous acts, or acts of goodness. These acts are considered ethical as they are good in nature and they both serve the Other and promote the common good. This has shown me that all I need to do in order to act in an ethical manner, would be to make virtuous decisions and eventually develop a virtuous character, which may also be referred to as being prudent, as good decisions will then no longer be decisions, but rather, they will just be first action. Lastly, Aristotle has greatly exemplified the reason why we should be ethical, and that is simply because it promotes the greatest goal of any human life, which is to find happiness. In order to pursue happiness, we must achieve the greatest excellences available to us. When first hearing this term, I imagine that the greatest excellences would include becoming a billionaire, becoming president, living to 120 years old and other things such as these that are seen as great. This would show that it would only be possible for a very small amount of

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Secondly, it makes a lot of sense to think of ethics in relation to character as compared to actions or even intentions. Thinking of ethics in relation to character is sensible since an ethical person can best be defined by their tendency to consistently repeat a good behavior. Aristotle is, therefore, right to say for instance that a courageous individual is consistently courageous. One particular action of good behavior, therefore, cannot make an individual be defined as ethical neither can a particular intention. I think the example of tennis is a good one.

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Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics begins by exploring ‘the good’. Book I argues that, unlike other goods, “happiness appears to be something complete and self-sufficient, and is, therefore, the end of actions” (10:1097b20-21). In other words, happiness is the ultimate good. But how does one achieve happiness? Aristotle formulates this in the context of work, since for all things, from artists to horses, “the good and the doing it well seem to be in the work” (10:1097b27-28).

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Those who practise painting for example, do so for the goal of becoming a great painter and the goal of obtaining good though this action. Yet through painting they will also attain happiness. Happiness becomes the greater goal, rather than becoming a good painter, through the action of painting. The final end, the final good, to all human actions is happiness. Aristotle argues that we do not choose actions such as honour and virtue for the sake of themselves, but for the sake of the happiness that they grant us (1097b 5).

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Aristophanes was a comic playwright of ancient Athens. It said Aristophanes had written almost 44 comic plays but just 11 of them survived now. These 11 famous plays are The Acharnians ,The Knights,The Clouds,The Wasps,Peace,The Birds,Lysistrata ,Thesmophoriazusae ,The Frogs ,Ecclesiazusae,Wealth. According to the influence he made to comic plays, he was called the Father of Comedy. Aristophanes was born in 448 B.C. as a Athenian citizens and died in 380 B.C.His comic plays are “a general masquerade of the world, beneath which there passes much that is not allowed by the common rules of propriety.

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"It is very hard to be virtuous, but very easy to become vicious"- Aristotle. Aristotle follows the same way of Socrates and Plato of that the virtues are the center of human well-being. ("Aristotle´s Ethics") He applied a careful and descriptive path to his inspection in the Nicomachean Ethics. (350BC) this theory was written for politicians as a guide to governance also was made to help society specially the kids, so they can grow in the path of ethics.

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The good life is not solely determined by external circumstances or material possessions but is deeply intertwined with one's character and actions. It involves making choices that align with one's values, principles, and sense of what is right and just. Ethical behavior and virtuous living are essential components of the good life as they foster personal integrity, build strong relationships, and contribute to the well-being of oneself and others. By adhering to moral values such as honesty, compassion, fairness, and respect, individuals create a solid foundation for leading a meaningful and fulfilling life. Moreover, ethics guide decision-making, helping individuals navigate moral dilemmas and make choices that reflect their commitment to living in accordance with their values.

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In Aristotle, "Nicomachean Ethics", the author conveys that the nature of his universe is place where you aim for happiness and to be a good person. The author explains that the goal of reading "Nicomachean Ethics" is for the reader to determine the best way to achieve their own happiness and to be good person by using their moral virtues that were thought to them. To achieve this, you have to understand your virtues and the kind of person you are. Every human is born goodness in their soul, but what you do with it will determine your happiness. In addition, when do good deeds from the goodness of heart that will also contribute to your happiness and show that your selfless person.

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