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Aristotle Virtue Essay

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In the reading, “Virtue," Aristotle argues that humans ultimately want to live a happy and well-lived life (pp. 310-311), and the main way humans achieve this is through virtue (pp. 311-312), which serves as a mean to the extremes of excess and the extreme of deficiency (pp. 315-317). One of the author’s main reasons to support his view is that human happiness is the highest good for all people, but the definition as to what happiness is varies (pp. 310). Aristotle considers virtue an activity of the soul, as it is the means of obtaining happiness (pp.312). Another main reason Aristotle presents to support his view is that people look at those who live a good, virtuous life and emulate those virtuous acts so they too could live a well-lived
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Genuine happiness lies in action that leads to virtue according to Aristotle and this is seen

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In Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, Book ll, he explains that virtue is a habit of right action, formed by acting rightly (Nicomachean Ethics, p. 71). What he means by this is that everyone has the chance to act virtuously, but we must for work at doing what is right. Aristotle thought we should be virtuous because if we live virtuously than we will have a better life over

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Aristotle does not have a true ideal of happiness. However, excellence in life is a state of being happy most of the time. Therefore if we strive to be excellent, happiness should follow. Aristotle also has ideals about balance. To not over do things and to keep ideals in check.

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Thus, when human function is done well, it is in accordance with virtue and best human life is achieved. In addition, it can be inferred that since Aristotle’s definition of happiness is to be virtuous, performing rational activity well can lead to happiness. In addition, Aristotle states, “if there are more than one virtue, in accordance with the best and most complete” (1098a18). This means that eventually there will be one virtue that is inclusive of all virtue and that displays an end, and this virtue will be in line with the self-sufficient and inclusive concept of happiness as the chief good. If this inclusive virtue and good is achieved, ultimate happiness will be achieved as well.

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In chapter seven, Aristotle seeks to clarify two key points in the chapter. The first key point is the reasons why we should agree with the generally agreed sentiment that ‘happiness is the best good’ and the second key point is what the best good is. Aristotle first says that the claim ‘happiness is the best good’ is correct, but then he goes on to try to account for what happiness would be for a human being. He questions what is good of each action or craft. If there is some end to everything achievable then it is the end.

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“One who asks law to rule, therefore, is held to be asking god and intellect alone to rule, while one who asks man adds the beast” (114). In The Politics, Aristotle addresses the issue of how difficult it is to implement good laws. This predicament, however, did not suddenly arise yesterday; rather, humans have always grappled with enacting the best laws conducive to a successful human experience. At the same time though, there are limits, especially because humans are only finite creatures. Therefore, after outlining Aristotle’s critique of Plato’s Republic, I argue that Aristotle hopes for cities and laws to achieve peace and work for the good of its citizens.

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Question 2- Aristotle Aristotle wrote Nicomachean Ethics in which he explains what his notion of virtue is and how it relates to good. Also, he demonstrates the relationship between virtue and character, how virtue develops character. Furthermore, he explains his belief of the good life for humans. According to Aristotle, virtue is a disposition to act or to behave in a particular manner.

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Aristotle makes that clear when he uses the example of the archer: “Shall we not, like archers who have a mark to aim at, be more likely to hit upon what is right? If so, we must try, in outline at least, to determine what it is, and of which of the sciences or capacities it is the object” (NE, 1094a25). For this reason, Aristotle made the Nicomachean Ethics to not only be a book of theory, but a guide on how to live a good life for both the individual and the community (NE, 1094b7). To do so, Aristotle believed that to be happy was to be of good, moral character. One can only be a good, moral character if he acts in accordance with virtue and must work towards processing them all (NE, 1098a10).

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1.)Aristotle explains that there are two types of virtues, virtue of thought and virtue of character. Both of these types of virtues are not innate; rather they are acquired and result from experience or habituation. A virtue, as defined in a dictionary is, behavior showing high moral standards. Virtues, then are somehow merely a concept that one must learn. This then is what distinguishes virtues from a virtuous person.

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In his more specific discourse on the nature of happiness, Aristotle comes to the conclusion that happiness lies in the contemplative life because “contemplation is the highest form of activity” (Aristotle 268). Aristotle views the activities of the mind to be the most sophisticated element of human life, and thus he believes the greatest good must come from the greatest aspect of life. In this view of happiness, Aristotle assumes that “happiness is an activity in accordance with virtue,” and that in order to live the contemplative life, one must also live a morally virtuous life (Aristotle 270). This connection between morality and contemplation coincides with Aristotle’s view of the superiority of contemplation over all other human activities.

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It has become apparent throughout time that moral conflicts are constantly challenging engineers. Whether it is related to infamous incidents that led to the downfall of professionals or the daily obstacles that engineers face, moral excellence is of the utmost importance in any field. Intellectual and character virtues, as exemplified in the philosophical context, are essential to engineering ethics. Of these virtues, engineers should strive for honesty, courage and fairness. Achieving the aforementioned moral excellences will allow engineers to conduct good judgments and commitment to their professional life.

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Virtue in his term is one that can meet the highest point of happiness; rich, fame, power, etc. In today’s society, it is kindness, intelligence, friendlessness, courage, etc. He would consider a celebrity to be at the highest peak of virtue and gain happiness, however, the happiness is normally attained even at that height. Someone who is poor and is sacrificing their food and money to help another poor family is someone to be considered as a true virtuous person. Aristotle didn’t think of how differently society would be then and now.

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