Aristotelian ethics

Aristotelian ethics is a branch of philosophy focused on how humans can live their best lives. Aristotle developed this field by building upon the work of his predecessors, Socrates and Plato. He viewed ethics as a study of the good of the individual. He also studied politics, which examined the good of the city-state, or polis. Aristotle believed these two fields were related but separate. He argued that the good of an individual is subordinate to the good of the community.

The core of his system is the development of character excellence, known in Greek as ēthikē aretē. This excellence leads to excellent conduct, or praxis. Aristotle believed that a person with a virtuous character naturally does the right thing. They do it at the right time and in the right way. For example, bravery and temperance are types of character excellence. Temperance involves the correct regulation of bodily appetites.

Aristotle's goal for human life is eudaimonia. This Greek term is often translated as well-being, happiness, or human flourishing. He believed that virtuous activity is actually pleasurable for a virtuous person. A person who has their appetites in the correct order finds pleasure in acting moderately. To reach eudaimonia, one must use practical wisdom, called phronesis. This is different from theoretical wisdom, or sophia. Prudence helps a person decide the right course of action in specific situations.

Three major ethical treatises are attributed to Aristotle. The most famous is the Nicomachean Ethics, which consists of ten books. It is the most widely read and has many modern translations. The second is the Eudemian Ethics, though some scholars debate if it is a more or less mature work. The third is the Magna Moralia, though its authenticity is sometimes doubted. The names of these works might come from Aristotle's son, Nicomachus, or his disciple, Eudemus.

Aristotle's method was unique compared to his teacher, Plato. Plato wrote in dialogues, but Aristotle wrote in formal treatises. Aristotle did not try to build a massive theory from scratch. Instead, he started with things that well-brought-up people already agreed upon. This is sometimes called the endoxic method. He relied on practical, everyday knowledge and common conceptions of the world. He believed it was better to start with familiar facts than with complex, controversial theories.

To explain why humans should be virtuous, Aristotle used the "function argument." He looked at what makes humans different from other living things. He noted that all living things undergo nutrition and growth. He also noted that animals can perceive the world. However, he argued that reason is the one thing unique to humans. Therefore, the human function is to live a life guided by reason.

Aristotle also connected ethics to his metaphysical theories. He used the concepts of potentiality and actuality to explain human growth. He described virtues as stable dispositions, or hexeis, developed through habituation. This means people become good by actually practicing virtuous actions. One cannot become virtuous simply by studying theory. One must have experience with actions in real life. Ultimately, Aristotle suggested that the highest life is the life of philosophy.