What does it mean to be a good man?
This question has been asked for centuries, and one philosopher who had a lot to say on the matter was an ancient Greek thinker.
He believed that a good man acts in accordance with virtue and derives happiness and pleasure from that virtue.
But what happens when a good man is placed in a corrupt regime that does not follow the principles that make him virtuous?
In this article, we will explore the ideas of this philosopher and delve into what it means to be a good man according to his teachings.
Join us as we explore the philosophy of Aristotle and discover what makes a good man in his eyes.
What Makes A Good Man Aristotle
Aristotle, an ancient Greek philosopher, believed that the perception of virtue is different for everyone, and there are many factors that influence it. These factors include a person’s moral principles, mentality, the society they live in, and its formative culture peculiarities.
According to Aristotle’s Nichomachean Ethics, happiness is the highest human good and is considered a final, independent end chosen as an “end in itself and never for the sake of something else.” He strongly correlates the concepts of virtue and happiness, believing that happiness is an “activity in conformity with excellence or virtue.”
Aristotle claims that a man’s happiness is permanent and stable. A person who is virtuous will bear with dignity whatever fortune may bring and act with nobility as circumstances permit. Intellectual contemplation is the highest human good resulting in a truly happy life. Rationality and intellect are crucial functions that distinguish humans from animals.
Aristotle’s concept of virtue is not simply passive habituation. Rather, it is an active condition, a state in which something must actively hold itself. Virtue manifests itself in action, and an action counts as virtuous when one holds oneself in a stable equilibrium of the soul to choose the action knowingly and for its own sake.
Achieving good character is a process of clearing away the obstacles that stand in the way of the full efficacy of the soul. For Aristotle, moral virtue is the only practical road to effective action. The virtuous person sees truly and judges rightly since beautiful things appear as they truly are only to a person of good character.
Aristotle’s Definition Of Virtue
Aristotle defines moral virtue as a disposition to behave in the right manner and as a mean between extremes of deficiency and excess, which are vices. He believed that we learn moral virtue primarily through habit and practice rather than through reasoning and instruction. Virtue is a matter of having the appropriate attitude toward pain and pleasure. For example, a coward will suffer undue fear in the face of danger, whereas a rash person will not suffer sufficient fear.
A virtuous person exhibits all of the virtues, and they do not properly exist as distinct qualities but rather as different aspects of a virtuous life. Aristotle lists the principle virtues along with their corresponding vices, including courage as the mean between rashness and cowardice.
We can only be held responsible for actions we perform voluntarily and not for cases involving physical compulsion or unavoidable ignorance. The best measure of moral judgment is choice, since choices are always made voluntarily by means of rational deliberation. We always choose to aim at the good, but people are often ignorant of what is good and so aim at some apparent good instead, which is in fact a vice.
The Relationship Between Virtue And Happiness
Aristotle believes that happiness and virtue are closely intertwined. He argues that happiness is not simply a temporary state of pleasure or satisfaction, but rather the ultimate goal and purpose of human existence. To achieve this goal, one must develop a moral character and display virtues such as courage, generosity, justice, friendship, and citizenship in their life. These virtues involve striking a balance or “mean” between an excess and a deficiency.
Moreover, Aristotle asserts that human happiness depends on the exercise of reason, which is the peculiar excellence of a person. This means that happiness requires intellectual contemplation, for it is the ultimate realization of our rational capacities. In other words, happiness is an activity involving both moral and intellectual excellence.
Aristotle also emphasizes that virtue is not simply a passive habituation but an active condition. Virtue manifests itself in action, and an action counts as virtuous when one holds oneself in a stable equilibrium of the soul to choose the action knowingly and for its own sake. Thus, achieving good character is a process of clearing away the obstacles that stand in the way of the full efficacy of the soul.
Examples Of Virtuous Men In Aristotle’s Philosophy
Aristotle believed that virtuous men are those who possess a stable equilibrium of the soul and act in accordance with their virtues. He provides examples of such men in his philosophy, including Socrates, Jesus, Gandhi, Mandela, and King.
Socrates is considered by Aristotle to be an example of a virtuous man due to his commitment to truth and his willingness to die for his beliefs. Socrates believed that knowledge and virtue are interconnected, and that one cannot be truly virtuous without knowledge.
Jesus is another example of a virtuous man in Aristotle’s philosophy. He is known for his teachings on love, forgiveness, and compassion. Jesus believed that the key to happiness is through serving others and spreading love.
Gandhi is also considered a virtuous man by Aristotle due to his commitment to non-violent resistance and social justice. Gandhi believed in the power of peaceful protest and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Mandela is another example of a virtuous man in Aristotle’s philosophy. He was committed to ending apartheid in South Africa and fought for equality and justice for all people. Mandela believed in forgiveness and reconciliation as a means to achieve lasting peace.
Lastly, King is considered a virtuous man by Aristotle due to his commitment to civil rights and non-violent resistance. King believed in the power of love and unity to bring about social change and fought tirelessly for equality and justice for all people.
Applying Aristotle’s Teachings To Modern Society
Aristotle’s teachings on virtue and happiness are still relevant to modern society. In a world where people are often driven by materialistic desires and external factors, Aristotle’s philosophy provides a refreshing perspective on what it means to live a good life.
In modern society, the pursuit of happiness is often equated with the accumulation of wealth, power, and status. However, Aristotle’s concept of happiness is not based on external factors but rather on internal ones. He believed that true happiness comes from living a virtuous life and achieving a state of inner peace and contentment.
Aristotle’s emphasis on the importance of character is also relevant in modern society. In a world where people are often judged by their achievements and external success, Aristotle reminds us that our character is what truly defines us as individuals. It is through the cultivation of virtues such as courage, honesty, and compassion that we can become better human beings and contribute positively to society.
Moreover, Aristotle’s idea of the golden mean can be applied to modern society as well. In a world where extremes are often celebrated, Aristotle’s concept of finding balance can help individuals navigate complex moral dilemmas. By finding the middle ground between excess and deficiency, individuals can develop a sense of moderation and self-control in their actions.
In conclusion, Aristotle’s teachings on virtue and happiness are still relevant in modern society. They provide a timeless philosophy that emphasizes the importance of character, inner peace, and balance in achieving a good life. By applying these teachings to our daily lives, we can become better human beings and contribute positively to society.
