Aristotle's Ethical Theory

Yurika Gallegos

ETHICS 1301

Mr. Wilson

April 24, 2015

Aristotle Ethical Theory

        If one were to view the history of mankind in the time frame of a five minute film, one could easily compare humanity to another familiar organism on this planet; a virus. When looking upon man’s method of living it becomes increasingly clear as to how the species of humans can be compared to that of a parasite. Just as a virus does, man moves from one location to another, consuming mass amounts of resources in order to allow its species to continue to repopulate. When natural resources have been fully exhausted, mankind moves to another location to seek a part of the world to in which they can survive off of. However, perhaps there is a different way of looking at mankind. By learning about the past, humans can better prepare for their future. When one observes and studies the teachings of the famous Greek philosopher Aristotle, one’s opinion on mankind can be swayed. Thus, with the wise and virtuous ethical theory of Aristotle in mind, the true nature of man’s moral virtue, their subsequent moral actions, and the unrelenting pursuit of happiness that drives it all can be seen.

        To begin, Aristotle’s ideals explain that virtuous morality is necessary in everyone’s life. Moral virtue is the middle point of excess and deficiency. It is required to moderate one’s life and in turn allows man to achieve happiness. In an article by T.H. Irwin called “Happiness, Virtue, And Morality” Irwin examines how Aristotle’s theories on how moral virtues are a vital part of obtaining a fulfilling and happy life. For each aspect of these virtues, there is an exaggerated version of the virtue and a lessened form of it as well (p 165). For example, courage is the median of fear and recklessness. It helps man understand that instead of living a life in fear and cowering at any situation is the wrong method of living. On the contrary, one cannot live a life that is reckless and uninhibited. For this reason, Aristotle came up with a median virtue that separates two extremes and balances what a good and virtuous life must be.

        Continuing on the subject of Aristotle’s idea of moral virtues, it is easy to view that his beliefs on how to live a virtuous life have impacted the modern world of ethics greatly. According to the Nicomachean book of ethics I – IV, Aristotle listed a total of twelve moral virtues that were set to help mankind on their path of a happy life. Those virtues include courage, temperance, liberality, magnificence, magnanimity, proper ambition, patience, truthfulness, wittiness, friendliness, modesty, and righteous indignation. For each of these virtues there is an excessive version along with a deficient version. For example, for the virtue of truthfulness, the two vices would be boastfulness and understatements. Another piece of ethical theory that Aristotle provides is that everything in life requires moderation except for virtues. And in order to fully understand and acquire these virtues, one must have a combination of knowledge, habituation, and self-discipline.