Evil has been a topic of philosophical debate for centuries, with many different perspectives and theories on its nature and origins.
In Aristotle’s philosophy, there is a unique perspective on evil that sets it apart from other philosophers of his time. According to Aristotle, badness does not exist in the category of substance, and there is no source or principle of evil as there is of good.
But can a person become completely evil according to Aristotle? This question has sparked much discussion and debate among scholars and philosophers alike.
In this article, we will explore Aristotle’s views on evil and whether or not he believed that a person could become completely evil. Join us as we delve into the world of Aristotle’s philosophy and uncover the truth about the nature of evil.
Can A Person Become Completely Evil According To Aristotle
Aristotle believed that humans existed on a continuum between roughly coherent people and those for whom moral integrity of any sort is a pipe-dream. This means that not all people can be made better, and some may be beyond redemption.
However, Aristotle did not believe that a person could become completely evil. He saw evil as a certain kind of unfortunate pathology toward which individuals in certain circumstances are prone. Evil was not seen as a fixed state of being, but rather as a set of clinical symptoms that could be addressed with proper philosophical detachment.
Aristotle’s perspective on evil is much more moderate and hopeful than other philosophers of his time, such as Plato. While he acknowledged the existence of evil, he did not see it as an inherent quality of certain individuals.
Aristotle’s Perspective On The Nature Of Evil
According to Aristotle, there is no single source or principle of evil, unlike good which has a clear source. Evil is not considered a substance, and the supreme god is seen as the ultimate existence. Aristotle believed that evil was not simply a matter of ignorance, but rather a result of weakness of will, known as akrasia.
Aristotle did not view evil as a fixed state of being, but rather as a set of symptoms that could be addressed with proper philosophical detachment. He believed that humans existed on a continuum between moral integrity and complete moral decay. While some individuals may be prone to evil in certain circumstances, Aristotle did not believe that anyone could become completely evil.
In contrast to other philosophers of his time, such as Plato, Aristotle’s perspective on evil was more moderate and hopeful. He was skeptical of the possibility of radical human change after childhood, but he did not see evil as an inherent quality of certain individuals. Instead, he believed that with proper guidance and education, individuals could overcome their tendencies towards evil and move towards moral integrity.
The Absence Of A Principle Of Evil In Aristotle’s Philosophy
In Aristotle’s philosophy, there is no source or principle of evil as there is of good. Badness does not exist in the category of substance, whereas the supreme god is existence par excellence. This means that Aristotle did not believe in a force or entity that was responsible for evil. Instead, he saw evil as a lack or absence of good, much like darkness is the absence of light.
Aristotle believed that everything in existence has some share of goodness, even if it is just the property of existence itself. Therefore, absolute evil would be the lack of existence. This means that nothing that exists can be completely evil, as it would be an oxymoron to claim that something or someone were totally evil.
Aristotle’s perspective on evil as a lack or absence of good is similar to St. Thomas Aquinas’s theory of evil as privation. Both philosophers believed that evil was not an entity but rather a lack or privation of good. They saw goodness as the ultimate goal for humans, and anything that deterred from this goal was considered to be evil.
Aristotle’s View On Human Nature And Its Relation To Evil
According to Aristotle, humans are born as “amoral creatures” and morality is something that is learned as we grow. He believed that our actions are a result of our character, which is shaped by our habits and upbringing. Aristotle saw evil as a cultural and political fact, rather than an inherent quality of certain individuals. He did not believe in the concept of original sin, which suggests that humans are inherently sinful from birth.
Aristotle’s view on human nature and its relation to evil is that humans have the potential for both good and evil. He believed that we have a natural desire for happiness and that this desire drives us to act in certain ways. However, he also recognized that humans are capable of making bad choices and engaging in immoral behavior.
Aristotle saw the development of moral character as a lifelong process. He believed that through education and practice, individuals could develop virtuous habits and become more morally upright. He also believed that individuals who were prone to evil behavior could be reformed through a process of philosophical detachment.
The Role Of Virtue In Preventing Complete Evil In A Person
Aristotle believed that the cultivation of virtues played a crucial role in preventing a person from becoming completely evil. According to him, virtues are ideal character traits that are developed over time through practice and habituation. These virtues are the opposite of vices, which are negative character traits that lead to immoral behavior.
In Aristotle’s view, a person who lacks virtues is more susceptible to developing vices and engaging in immoral behavior. However, a person who has cultivated virtues such as honesty, kindness, and courage is less likely to engage in immoral behavior and is more likely to make moral decisions.
Virtues act as a safeguard against complete evil because they provide a framework for making moral decisions. A person who has cultivated virtues will naturally be inclined towards making morally right decisions, even in difficult circumstances. This is because virtues are not just actions, but rather they are ingrained in a person’s character and become a part of their identity.
In addition to preventing complete evil, Aristotle believed that the cultivation of virtues also leads to a flourishing life. Virtuous individuals not only make moral decisions but also experience a sense of fulfillment and happiness that comes from living a virtuous life.
