Nicomachean Ethics: Aristotelian Virtues

Nicomachean ethics is the name of Aristotle’s work on ethics based on lectures he wrote. It is said that Nicomachean ethics were named after either Aristotle’s son or father as they were both named Nicomachus. Aristotle believed that happiness is what makes a person pure. To make this one virtue true, Aristotle believed that there were four moral virtues that worked together; the virtue of great soul, justice, practical judgment and being a truly good friend. From Aristotle’s notes, are ten books written from his lectures. Aristotle was believed to have his thoughts on ethics based on Plato and Socrates. In book one Aristotle starts to discuss against what Plato stated about the Theory of Forms, but mainly wants to define happiness, what
Aristotle and Plato were the first philosophers to identify virtues. Virtues are split into cardinal virtues and theological virtues. Altogether, there are seven virtues. The cardinal virtues consist of prudence, justice, temperance and courage. The theological virtues consist of faith, hope and charity. The cardinal virtues are considered the most desirable traits. A virtuous person is someone who shows high moral standards. Aristotle believed that for someone to be truly virtuous they had to follow 3 conditions; they are done knowingly, they are chosen for their own sake and they are chosen according to a stable tendency. Aristotle says that just knowing the conditions of virtues is not enough to make one
Aristotle divides actions into voluntary, involuntary and non-voluntary. Voluntary actions are done or brought on by one’s own will. Involuntary actions are actions that happen without conscious efforts, such as a reflex or a stimulus. Non-voluntary actions are actions that one is forced to do, but does not want to be a part of. Book 3, written by Aristotle goes into the definitions of actions and moral virtues. It is believed that courage is seen as an act of bravery. A man who is courageous has fears, but is confident going into or being around those fears. Temperance is known as the moderation of self-restraint in