Nicomachean Ethics

Sample Solution

According to Aristotle in Book III of the Nicomachean Ethics, voluntary action and personal responsibility are essential for becoming a virtuous person.

Voluntary action is action that is done intentionally and with knowledge. Aristotle argues that only voluntary actions can be praised or blamed, and that therefore only voluntary actions are relevant to the cultivation of virtue.

Personal responsibility is the ability to control one's own actions and to be held accountable for them. Aristotle argues that in order to become a virtuous person, one must be personally responsible for one's actions. This means being aware of one's own choices and the consequences of those choices, and being willing to take responsibility for one's successes and failures.

Full Answer Section

In Book III, Chapter 5, Aristotle argues that virtue is a mean between two vices. For example, courage is the mean between the vices of cowardice and rashness. To be courageous, one must be willing to face danger, but not to the point of recklessness.

Aristotle also argues that virtue is acquired through habit. He says that "virtue is the product of habit." This means that in order to become a virtuous person, one must repeatedly practice virtuous actions. For example, to become courageous, one must repeatedly face danger in a courageous way.

Voluntary action and personal responsibility are essential for the cultivation of virtuous habits. If one is not acting voluntarily, then one is not choosing to act in a virtuous way. And if one is not personally responsible for one's actions, then one is not learning from one's mistakes and improving one's behavior.

Here is an example of how voluntary action and personal responsibility are essential for becoming a virtuous person:

Suppose that a person wants to become more courageous. He knows that he needs to face danger in order to do this. But he is also afraid. He must decide whether or not to face the danger.

If he decides to face the danger, he is acting voluntarily. He is choosing to do something that is difficult and scary. He is also taking personal responsibility for his actions. He is willing to face the consequences of his decision, whether they are good or bad.

If he decides not to face the danger, he is not acting voluntarily. He is not choosing to do something that is difficult and scary. He is also not taking personal responsibility for his actions. He is allowing his fear to control him.

If the person wants to become more courageous, he must choose to face the danger. He must act voluntarily and take personal responsibility for his actions.

Aristotle's views on voluntary action and personal responsibility are still relevant today. In order to become a virtuous person, we must be aware of our choices and the consequences of those choices. We must also be willing to take responsibility for our successes and failures.