Analysis Of Nicomachean Ethics By Jonathan Lear

In the first reading by Jonathan Lear he suggests the notion that people now are losing their confidence in religious beliefs explaining the ‘why’ and moral outlook, so he suggests to look back at what Aristotle had said. When he begins to bring up the various concepts Aristotle discusses in Nicomachean Ethics he explains, that Aristotle’s goal was, “to give one a reflective understanding of how one can achieve happiness by living an ethical life within society” (154). I think this is an important concept to verify it is understood by all readers that Aristotle was directing this writing to good people who want to improve and do better, not to everyone saying how they needed to act. I think that it is important because it can affect the way …show more content…
When he begins to bring up the various concepts Aristotle discusses in Nicomachean Ethics he explains, that Aristotle’s goal was, “to give one a reflective understanding of how one can achieve happiness by living an ethical life within society” (154). I think this is an important concept to verify it is understood by all readers that Aristotle was directing this writing to good people who want to improve and do better, not to everyone saying how they needed to act. I think that it is important because it can affect the way readers interpret the writing, they may read it as a piece that is telling them what to do and how they need to change completely—which may cause them to read with annoyance and not want to listen to anything he says. He also brings up the idea that Aristotle believes there must be at least one end that is not subordinate, that way people are not on an infinite loop of never being fully satisfied or motivated. Aristotle believes the end is happiness and I think as you continued to read and think about what peoples goals typically are I think happiness would the perfect description the final end …show more content…
They also discuss the fact that from a young age there is an impact, and the habits and encouragement children receive help to build their character and determine if they are going to seek to be good and virtuous—achieve happiness—or if they are going to be bad and commit more vices rather than virtues. I thought it was very important how they stressed the impact habits have on people especially at a young age; I think I found this so important because I just recently read a piece about how students ability to work hard and study versus saying they can’t do something and easily giving up all depends on your character, which is developed when you are younger and can later be changed but is more difficult as you are older and set in your