Day 15: Introduction to the Nicomachean Ethics

•      Assign Essay

•      Quick remarks on “Argument” & “Judgement”

•      Introduction to Aristotle (384-322BCE)

•      The Good

•      Happiness (Eudaimonia)

•      On Pleasure, Honour, and Wealth

•      Soul, Function, and Rationality

•      Virtue

•      Read NE Books II and III for next time

The Good

•      In Bk I, part I, what does Aristotle say the good is?  Examples?

•      What is the master science of the good?

•      What is the science of the good for individuals?

Happiness (Eudaimonia)

•      In Bk I, part 4, what does Aristotle say the good is?

•      What does eudaimonia mean?

•      What is it to flourish or be excellent as a human being?

On Pleasure, Honour, and Wealth

•      Is happiness the same as pleasure?    Why or why not?

•      Is happiness the same as (having) honour?  Why or why not?

•      Is happiness the same as having wealth?  Why or why not?

Soul, Function, & Rationality

•      Some background on Aristotle’s conception of soul

•      According to Aristotle, being happy (or flourishing or being excellent) as human beings is about performing our proper function well

•      What is our function?

Virtue

•      What is a virtue?

•      What are the two kinds of virtues Aristotle identifies in Bk I, part 13?

•      How does he characterize them?