Aristotle proposes in his well renowned work, Nicomachean Ethics, a way of life that is structured on the foundation of what is happiness for human beings. Nicomachean Ethics provides the means in which are best determined to achieve the ultimate goal of an individual’s life which according to Aristotle is happiness. The definition of happiness is determined differently based on an individual’s perspective of the concept which the philosopher states in the beginning of Chapter Four in Book One of Nicomachean Ethics. Although differing in opinions and perspective of what happiness can best be defined as, there is a formal agreement of understanding amongst the people which Aristotle labels “the many and the refined” (Aristotle, Bartlett, & Collins,
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5). Aristotle introduces the concept of happiness in relation to the motive and purpose present for decision-making and choices. Happiness is associated to the good that ‘choice’ and ‘knowledge’ partially …show more content…
31). According to the philosopher, virtue is a ‘characteristic’ rather than as opposed to a ‘passion’ or ‘capacity’. This characteristic is determined by an individual’s choice. These choices must be determined in mean of wisdom and rationale, which is the implication in which it is labeled a virtue. In justification, an individual is permitted to act in accordance to a particular virtue that is most appropriate for the circumstances. This behavior is founded on middle ground-that is the virtue-situated between what is known as an ‘excess’ and the other being a ‘deficiency’, and the two also being classified as ‘vices’. Aristotle proceeds with certain examples relating to fear, anger, greed, etc. The two vices that were previously mentioned - the ‘excess’ and ‘deficiency’- pertain virtue based on morality residing with ‘passions’ and the actions of an individual (Aristotle, Bartlett, & Collins, 2012, p. 34). In terms of an ‘excess’, a person’s actions should not be acted out on. Aristotle’s philosophy also implies making decisions that are worthy of praise and admiration by
5). Aristotle introduces the concept of happiness in relation to the motive and purpose present for decision-making and choices. Happiness is associated to the good that ‘choice’ and ‘knowledge’ partially …show more content…
31). According to the philosopher, virtue is a ‘characteristic’ rather than as opposed to a ‘passion’ or ‘capacity’. This characteristic is determined by an individual’s choice. These choices must be determined in mean of wisdom and rationale, which is the implication in which it is labeled a virtue. In justification, an individual is permitted to act in accordance to a particular virtue that is most appropriate for the circumstances. This behavior is founded on middle ground-that is the virtue-situated between what is known as an ‘excess’ and the other being a ‘deficiency’, and the two also being classified as ‘vices’. Aristotle proceeds with certain examples relating to fear, anger, greed, etc. The two vices that were previously mentioned - the ‘excess’ and ‘deficiency’- pertain virtue based on morality residing with ‘passions’ and the actions of an individual (Aristotle, Bartlett, & Collins, 2012, p. 34). In terms of an ‘excess’, a person’s actions should not be acted out on. Aristotle’s philosophy also implies making decisions that are worthy of praise and admiration by