Nicomachean Ethics

Sample Solution

1. The common view of self-love or selfishness

This view sees self-love or selfishness as a vice, something to be avoided. It is the view that people who are self-loving or selfish are only concerned with their own interests, even if it means harming others.

Aristotle initially considers this view to be somewhat plausible. He points out that there are people who seem to act in this way. They are always looking for ways to get ahead, even if it means stepping on others. They are also quick to anger when they don't get their way.

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However, Aristotle ultimately rejects this view of self-love or selfishness. He argues that it is based on a misunderstanding of human nature. Humans are naturally social creatures. We need each other to survive and thrive. It is therefore impossible for us to be truly happy and fulfilled if we are only concerned with our own interests.

2. The fundamental view of self-love or selfishness

This view sees self-love or selfishness as a natural and necessary part of being human. It is the view that we all have a basic desire to take care of ourselves and to pursue our own interests.

Aristotle argues that this view of self-love or selfishness is not only natural, but also necessary. We cannot be good people if we do not love ourselves. In order to be virtuous, we need to have a clear understanding of our own strengths and weaknesses. We also need to be able to set goals for ourselves and to strive to achieve them.

The role of reason and virtue in each conception

In the common view of self-love or selfishness, reason and virtue play no role. People who are self-loving or selfish are only concerned with their own interests, even if it means harming others.

In the fundamental view of self-love or selfishness, reason and virtue play a central role. We need to use reason to understand our own strengths and weaknesses, and to set goals for ourselves that are consistent with our virtues.

Aristotle's ethical evaluation of each conception

Aristotle rejects the common view of self-love or selfishness as a vice. He argues that it is based on a misunderstanding of human nature. He also argues that it is impossible to be a good person if we do not love ourselves.

Aristotle endorses the fundamental view of self-love or selfishness. He argues that it is a natural and necessary part of being human. He also argues that we need to use reason and virtue to guide our self-love or selfishness.

Aristotle's views on self-love and selfishness challenge modern notions

Modern notions of self-love and selfishness are often negative. We often see self-love or selfishness as a vice, something to be avoided. However, Aristotle's views challenge these modern notions. He argues that self-love or selfishness is a natural and necessary part of being human. He also argues that it is possible to be self-loving or selfish in a good way, as long as we use reason and virtue to guide our self-love or selfishness.

Here are some specific ways in which Aristotle's views on self-love and selfishness challenge modern notions:

• Modern notions often see self-love or selfishness as incompatible with altruism. Aristotle, on the other hand, argues that self-love or selfishness is necessary for altruism. In order to be altruistic, we need to have a clear understanding of our own strengths and weaknesses. We also need to be able to set goals for ourselves that are consistent with our virtues.
• Modern notions often see self-love or selfishness as leading to excess and hedonism. Aristotle, on the other hand, argues that self-love or selfishness can be guided by reason and virtue. When self-love or selfishness is guided by reason and virtue, it can lead to moderation and eudaimonia (human flourishing).

Overall, Aristotle's views on self-love and selfishness are more complex and nuanced than modern notions. He argues that self-love or selfishness is a natural and necessary part of being human, and that it is possible to be self-loving or selfish in a good way, as long as we use reason and virtue to guide our self-love or selfishness.