Aristotle
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Philosophy
Date
Dec 6, 2023
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docx
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6
Uploaded by BarristerGalaxyBear21
Maria Orellana
PHI 215
Hairr Joe
09/30/2023
Written Assignment
Aristotle believed that morality and politics were closely related to each other, and his
political philosophy is deeply intertwined with his ethical theory. He outlined his ideas about this
relationship in his famous work "Politics" and his ethical treatises, primarily the Nicomachean
Ethics, the Virtue Theory, and the importance of education.
Aristotle's virtue theory, also known as virtue ethics, is a prominent ethical framework
outlined in his works, primarily in the "Nicomachean Ethics" and "Eudemian Ethics." This
theory focuses on the development of moral virtue as the key to living a good and flourishing
life, rather than on determining specific rules or actions to follow. Aristotle believed that
individuals should cultivate virtuous character traits to guide their actions and decisions. Central
to Aristotle's virtue theory is the concept of eudaimonia, often translated as "happiness" or
"flourishing." He argued that the most ultimate aim of human life is to achieve eudaimonia,
which is the highest good and the ultimate purpose of human existence. In politics, the ultimate
goal was the well-ordered and virtuous city-state (polis) that allowed its citizens to achieve
eudaimonia collectively.
Eudaimonia is not merely pleasure or the absence of pain; it is a state
of well-being and fulfillment achieved through virtuous living. Aristotle identified moral virtue
(or ethical virtue) as a crucial component of eudaimonia. Moral virtue refers to character traits or
dispositions that lie between two extremes of deficiency and excess. For example, courage is a
moral virtue that falls between the vices of cowardice (deficiency) and recklessness (excess).
Aristotle's theory of virtue is often associated with the concept of the "golden mean." He
argued that moral virtues are found as a means between two extremes. Virtue consists of finding
the right balance between excess and deficiency. For example, the virtue of courage lies between
the extremes of recklessness and cowardice. Virtue ethics emphasizes the importance of
cultivating virtuous character traits over following rigid moral rules. Aristotle believed that
individuals should strive to develop virtuous dispositions, such as courage, honesty, kindness,
and justice, through practice and habituation.
Similarly, in politics, he believed that the citizens
of a well-ordered polis should possess and practice virtues to create a just and harmonious
society. Aristotle believed that practical wisdom or phronesis is necessary to determine the
meaning between extremes and make morally sound decisions. Phronesis involves practical
judgment, an understanding of the particular circumstances, and the ability to apply general
principles to specific situations.
Aristotle considered virtuous actions to be voluntary and the
result of rational choice. Virtuous individuals willingly choose to act in accordance with virtuous
principles.
Aristotle believed that moral development and virtuous living are best achieved
within a community or society. He emphasized the importance of friendships based on mutual
virtue and moral support.
Aristotle's virtue theory is distinct from other ethical theories, such as
utilitarianism or deontology, which focus on consequences or moral rules, respectively. Instead,
virtue ethics places moral character and the development of virtuous dispositions at the center of
ethical deliberation. It encourages individuals to cultivate a virtuous character and to seek
eudaimonia through the practice of virtuous living.
Ethics as a Foundation for Politics. Aristotle believed that a good and virtuous individual
was a prerequisite for a good and just society. He argued that virtuous citizens would naturally
contribute to the betterment of the political community. Thus, ethics served as a foundation for
politics, as the character and moral development of individuals directly influenced the character
of the city-state. Aristotle saw the central purpose of the polis as the realization of the common
good, which he viewed as an inherently ethical concept. The common good referred to the
collective well-being and flourishing of all citizens, and it was the ultimate aim of political
organization. Ethical principles played a significant role in defining and pursuing this common
good. Just laws and policies, according to Aristotle, should reflect the principles of justice and
fairness, which are moral concepts.
Aristotle believed that education played a vital role in shaping virtuous individuals and,
by extension, a virtuous society. Aristotle argued that ethical virtues, such as courage, honesty,
and justice, are not innate qualities but are developed through practice and habituation.
Education, in his view, involves the formation of virtuous habits and the reinforcement of moral
values. Through repeated practice of virtuous actions, individuals become habituated to behaving
in a morally upright manner. Aristotle emphasized the importance of early childhood education
in shaping an individual's character. He believed that ethical education should begin in
childhood, as young minds are more receptive to moral instruction and habit formation. Proper
guidance and moral education during the formative years were seen as essential for laying the
foundation of virtuous character. He saw education as a means to instill ethical values and virtues
in citizens, ensuring their active participation in the political life of the polis.
Aristotle
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considered the city-state (polis) as the highest and most complete form of human community. He
believed that the purpose of politics was to create and maintain a just and virtuous polis where
citizens could lead flourishing lives. The ethical and moral principles that guided individual
conduct were essential for achieving this goal on a collective level.
In contemporary societies, there is an ongoing tension between individual autonomy,
cultural diversity, and the pursuit of collective ethical values. While some aspects of Aristotle's
beliefs are still applicable and desirable, such as the cultivation of virtues and the pursuit of
human flourishing, there is recognition that ethical and political frameworks must be flexible and
inclusive to accommodate a wide range of perspectives and values.
Ultimately, the question of
whether Aristotle's beliefs are possible or desirable in today's society or culture depends on the
specific context, the values and principles upheld by a particular society, and the ongoing
dialogue and adaptation of ethical and political theories to meet the complexities of the modern
world. For example, in the United States of America when governing anything around politics
we take a religious approach to things. Our dollar bills clearly state “In God We Trust”. Most
supreme court decisions are decided using logic bases on the bible. In the aspects of politics and
morality, we use religion to make our choices or decisions.
Aristotle's views on religion are
complex and multifaceted. He did not address religious topics as extensively as some other
ancient philosophers, and his writings on religion are scattered throughout his works. Aristotle
believed in a teleological view of the universe, which means he saw purpose and order in the
natural world. He argued that everything in the cosmos had a purpose and function, and this
implied the existence of a divine or prime mover (often referred to as the Unmoved Mover)
responsible for setting everything in motion. However, Aristotle's conception of this divine entity
was quite different from the personal God of monotheistic religions.
Aristotle was critical of the
traditional, mythological gods and religious beliefs of his time. He saw many of these myths as
anthropomorphic and not consistent with a rational understanding of the divine. He preferred a
more abstract and philosophical conception of the divine. From what Aristotle taught we
wouldn't be able to say that all of his teachings would have caught on or been applied into our
political or ethical efforts.
In summary, Aristotle viewed morality and politics as intertwined, with morality serving
as the foundation for a just and flourishing political community. He believed that ethical
principles and virtues should guide both individual behavior and political decision-making to
create a harmonious and virtuous society in the city-state. Aristotle's beliefs about the
relationship between morality and politics, while influential in his time, may face challenges in
contemporary society and culture. Whether they are possible or desirable today depends on
various factors and is still a matter of debate.
Work Cited Page
Pangle, Lorraine Smith. "The Anatomy of Courage in Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics."
The Review of Politics
80.4 (2018): 569-90. Print.
Aryeh Kosman.
Virtues of Thought : Essays on Plato and Aristotle
. Cambridge (Mass.) ;
London, Harvard University Press, , Cop, 2014.
“Aristotle on Politics and Ethics.”
Daily Outlook Afghanistan, the Leading Independent
Newspaper.
, 22 Jan. 2014, www.outlookafghanistan.net/topics.php?post_id=9187.
Accessed 29 Sept. 2023.
Curzer, Howard J.
Aristotle and the Virtues
. Oxford ; New York, Oxford University Press, 2012.
Study.com
, 2022, study.com/learn/lesson/aristotle-political-philosophy-influences-development-
impact.html. Accessed 3 May 2022.
Jaffa, Harry V. “Aristotle and the Higher Good.”
The New York Times
, 1 July 2011,
www.nytimes.com/2011/07/03/books/review/book-review-aristotles-nicomachean-
ethics.html. Accessed 1 Oct. 2023.
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