Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics
Meaghan Hill
24th September 2012
Ethics; Dr. Patton
The Nicomachean Ethics - Virtues People are naturally self aware, and because of that we are under the impression we are in complete control over our personalities and actions. Aristotle reasons in “The Nicomachean Ethics” that peoples values and ethics are shaped by the society in which they live in, and that are ability to follow them is based on how we are raised. According to Aristotle we are trained in the behaviors that are socially acceptable to our society from birth. When one conforms to what society deems normal they will flow almost seamlessly through life, but if one takes a wrong step they become a deviant and are usually met with punishment. Aristotle breaks the things we …show more content…
Then a has to decide to take that action, not because they are forced to or because it’s a habit, but because they chose to. If you accidentally help someone your actions would not be considered virtuous because you didn’t intend for them to be helpful, the action should be made because it is honestly what you believe is right. A person tends to do the right thing when others are watching, but for their action to be considered truly virtuous they would do the same when no one is looking. To truly be able to do a virtuous and selfless act it must be at the root of a person character, and a person’s character is based upon a person’s actions and not there emotions. We do good not because it always makes us feel good, but because we are taught that it is good. I donate money every year around Christmas not because it make’s me feel good I honestly would prefer to keep it for myself and buy candy, but I do it because my mother always taught me it was the right thing to do, my actions are not virtuous they are a habit my mother taught me that I do unconsciously. I have $5 in my pocket and I see a beggar on the street I give him the money because I honestly believe he needs it more than me, this action is virtuous I didn’t do it because I felt I had to nor is it a habit I did it because I honestly felt it was right. Aristotle argues that someone who
24th September 2012
Ethics; Dr. Patton
The Nicomachean Ethics - Virtues People are naturally self aware, and because of that we are under the impression we are in complete control over our personalities and actions. Aristotle reasons in “The Nicomachean Ethics” that peoples values and ethics are shaped by the society in which they live in, and that are ability to follow them is based on how we are raised. According to Aristotle we are trained in the behaviors that are socially acceptable to our society from birth. When one conforms to what society deems normal they will flow almost seamlessly through life, but if one takes a wrong step they become a deviant and are usually met with punishment. Aristotle breaks the things we …show more content…
Then a has to decide to take that action, not because they are forced to or because it’s a habit, but because they chose to. If you accidentally help someone your actions would not be considered virtuous because you didn’t intend for them to be helpful, the action should be made because it is honestly what you believe is right. A person tends to do the right thing when others are watching, but for their action to be considered truly virtuous they would do the same when no one is looking. To truly be able to do a virtuous and selfless act it must be at the root of a person character, and a person’s character is based upon a person’s actions and not there emotions. We do good not because it always makes us feel good, but because we are taught that it is good. I donate money every year around Christmas not because it make’s me feel good I honestly would prefer to keep it for myself and buy candy, but I do it because my mother always taught me it was the right thing to do, my actions are not virtuous they are a habit my mother taught me that I do unconsciously. I have $5 in my pocket and I see a beggar on the street I give him the money because I honestly believe he needs it more than me, this action is virtuous I didn’t do it because I felt I had to nor is it a habit I did it because I honestly felt it was right. Aristotle argues that someone who