The roles of voluntary action in Nicomachean Ethics

Sample Solution

 

Aristotle's conception of virtue is central to his ethics. He argues that virtues are character traits that enable us to live well and to flourish. Virtues are acquired through practice, and they are essential for becoming a good person.

Voluntary action and personal responsibility play key roles in Aristotle's account of virtue. Aristotle argues that we are only morally responsible for our voluntary actions. Voluntary actions are those that we choose to perform, knowing that they are wrong. Involuntary actions are those that we are forced to perform or that we perform without knowing that they are wrong.

Full Answer Section

    According to Aristotle, we become virtuous by performing virtuous actions. When we perform virtuous actions, we are reinforcing our virtuous habits. Over time, these habits become second nature to us, and we become more likely to act virtuously without even thinking about it. This process of becoming virtuous is not easy. It requires us to be mindful of our actions and to choose to act virtuously even when it is difficult. It also requires us to be patient and persistent, as it takes time to develop virtuous habits. In Book III, Chapter 5 of the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle discusses the role of voluntary action and personal responsibility in regards to becoming a virtuous person. He argues that we are only morally responsible for our voluntary actions, and that it is only through voluntary actions that we can become virtuous. Aristotle also discusses the importance of choice in becoming virtuous. He argues that we are not simply products of our genes or our environment. We have the ability to choose how we act, and these choices shape our character. Here is an example of how Aristotle's conception of virtue and voluntary action might be applied to a real-world situation: Imagine that you are a nurse who is working in a busy hospital. You are caring for a patient who is in a lot of pain. The patient is asking for more pain medication, but you know that they have already received the maximum dose. In this situation, you have a choice. You can choose to give the patient more pain medication, even though you know it is not in their best interests. Or, you can choose to explain the situation to the patient and to offer them alternative pain relief methods. If you choose to give the patient more pain medication, even though you know it is not in their best interests, you are acting voluntarily. You are making a choice that you know is wrong. As a result, you are morally responsible for your actions. However, if you choose to explain the situation to the patient and to offer them alternative pain relief methods, you are acting virtuously. You are making a choice that is in the patient's best interests. As a result, you are morally praiseworthy. Aristotle's conception of virtue and voluntary action is important because it emphasizes the importance of choice in becoming a good person. We are not simply products of our genes or our environment. We have the ability to choose how we act, and these choices shape our character. If we want to become virtuous people, we need to be mindful of our actions and choose to act virtuously even when it is difficult. We also need to be patient and persistent, as it takes time to develop virtuous habits.