Aristotle Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Aristotle - Assignment Example Nicomachean ethics derives its name from Aristotle’s son, Nicomachus, for whom the books were dedicated. The central point in Nicomachean ethics is the question of the nature of a good life and how best man ought to live a good life on earth (Kraut, 2006). Aristotle’s answer to this was very fundamental in the development of virtue ethics in modern day philosophy. Nicomachean ethics begins by reflecting on whether there is an ultimate goal that all human life aims at. This goal is the ultimate good that all men hope to enjoy in their lifetime. According to Aristotle, such a goal must be complete, self sufficient, final and continuous. Aristotle concluded that the ultimate good upon which all human life should be based in happiness. The main objective of Aristotelian ethics is to find out how best one can achieve happiness. Human beings can achieve happiness when they live a virtuous lifestyle. Aristotle defines virtue as a disposition for one to act in the right way for the right reasons and derive happiness from acting rightly. Virtue is a mean between deficiency and excesses in ones actions. Actions must also be done voluntarily in order for them to be judged to be either good or bad actions. Virtue must emanate from an individual’s conscious choice and must have a purpose. In Nicomachean ethics, Aristotle discusses various virtues including courage, justice, temperance, patience and moderation (Kraut, 2006). Nicomachean ethics discusses various themes such as virtue and happiness, moral education, friendship, and the doctrine of the mean (May, 2010). These themes are spread across all the ten books that make up Nicomachean ethics. Virtue and happiness form the largest part of the discussion on ethics. Virtue leads to attainment of the ultimate goodness of human life, happiness (May, 2010). Another important part of Aristotle’s ethics is moral