Nicomachean Ethics Essay Example for Free

Nicomachean Ethics EssayAncient Greek philosopher Aristotle wrote the Nicomachean Ethics, portraying the signifi mucklece of studying the realms of ethics and political science. In his work, Aristotle focuses on the theme of how human beings can attain the chief human estimablehappinessat which every(prenominal)thing aims. Aristotle argues that ethics, the study of moral character, and political science, the branch of knowledge and analysis of political activity and behavior, must(prenominal)iness be closely studied together in coif to fully grasp the meaning of and obtain the technical way of vivification. Aristotle believes that there is only one and only(a) goal, one ultimate end for every individualthat is eudaimonia, translated as happiness, not as a feeling but happiness as the highest human trustworthy or a vivification full of activity. He claims that a person should live a way of life distinct from the lives of animals, where they only live for the pastime of living or pleasure. 1 As human beings, people should use their power of speech to communicate and leave rational decisions within a polity, nervous strain to live their lives up to their full potential and to their full capacity for a happy life.2 The life of politics, the via activa, is thus the key to the chief satisfactory or the surpass life for humans however, the life of action must be of certain character of quality, in accordance with intellect, since different actions may lead to the good or the bad life. In other words, a persons actions must be in line with arete, with truth or excellence. 3 Possessing justice is having the exponent to realize the good things, and doing them at the right time and the right way to get things done.Virtues can result to two different ways a good or bad life. For example, President Lincoln versus Adolph Hitlerboth of these men possess the virtue of wisdom, although they have used them disparately, one ending a courtly War in peace a nd the other manipulating others to killing millions of innocent people. To make it to the good end, Aristotle claims that we must practice virtue by, giving it a certain type of character or ethical quality to our actions.4 Although human cannot acquire virtue by nature alone, nature allows and gives us the capacity to acquire virtue by learning and through exercising them in our lives. 5 By constantly acting with virtue, we cultivate habituation and ultimately we do not urgency to be self-controlled to do what is just. Instead, we become accustomed to do what is right willingly and naturally. Activities of good ethics or good moral character are virtues. And so, to best learn and exercise these virtues is by incorporating political science in connection to ethics.Aristotle asserts that the science of politics, the highest master of science combined with many other sciences, must be very well studied, for it is where moral laws are examined and its end, including the ends of othe r sciences associated with political science, will be the chief human good of all society. 6 Therefore, Aristotle presents the idea that the area must play an important role to aim and shape a society of good citizens, incorporating what the good life is the life of virtue.7 The state must look after its citizens morally, creating a type of society that will allow people to have a political life together consequently, this political life will give them the opportunity and the ability to realize their wide range of capacities and their ideal life. Without the state, humans will not be able to experience the good life, the life of action. They are not self-sufficient enough to work alone, for they need others to be self-sufficient and happy.8 Having a community will give every individual a chance to experience the struggle within the polity, in which he or she can exercise his or her many virtues, whether it be the ability to be courageous in the face of danger, the ability to make b etter judgements, or the ability to resist pain in the midst of hard criticism. Consequently, they make up their ethos or character, cultivating them to eventually living a happy life. The life of struggle, of politics, is the life where humans can have the chance to develop their full capacities, abilities, and strengths to bastinado many hardships and difficulties.9 Having a strong state does not achieve full satisfaction hence, the state must know what eudaimonia is in order to direct and sharpen its citizens. It is necessary for the state to study and establish what is just and what is ethics. In this way, the state could inculcate what is moral through laws and education. Acquiring the chief good starts at home. Aristotle argues that a good state support an educational system, for a society that promotes morality is the best way of cultivating habituation in young children.10 Having this strong educational system in the state will successfully encourage parents of each house hold to train their young children in good principles, stay on by the set of moral laws established in the community as a result, they will naturally apply their good habits in their daily lives and ultimately gain the perfect virtuous life. Connecting the study of ethics and political science together can bring the whole society into a healthy life of virtue. Ethics is the key in which politics can utilize and produce a good society.By knowing what is righteous and what is ethics, the state can make the ultimate life of happiness possible for its citizens. Political science plays the role of establishing and enforcing good and moral character through an effective system that can guide and habituate every part and class of society. Ultimately, having access to a superfluous life of activity in a way that is in line with reason will let individuals life life to the fullest, of virtue and of happiness.