Focus on taking and consuming what one needs and wants

Aristotle believed that the ultimate goal of human life is ___, which means living a fulfilling and virtuous life.

2 kinds of virtue

reflection on eternal truths

Comes from living a life of virtue, a life of excellence

Defines a good life

Happiness as the Highest Good

People pursue for its own sake

It means good

Even though it was written over 2,000 years ago, many of its principles still relate to modern ethical concepts.

Highest expressions of human faculties

quote "The good has been rightly declares as that at which all things aim.”

Aristotle believed that virtue is developed through

Virtue through teaching (requires experience and time)

an important ancient Greek philosopher

restraint, usually with regard to pleasurable activities

It means Spirit

Today, this is similar to discussions about well-being, life satisfaction, and self-actualization (Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs).

Many modern ethical theories, such as character education and positive psychology, emphasize personal development and ethical decision-making.

Ethical decision-making requires experience, critical thinking, and sound judgment.

A good life is not just individual but requires a just society and good relationships

By understanding his teachings, we can apply ancient wisdom to modern challenges and strive for a balanced, ethical, and fulfilling life.

Allow us to thrive and flourish in life

This is seen in social ethics, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and discussions about justice and equality in society today.

Aristotle believed that virtue is developed through habit—we become good by consistently practicing good actions.

the ability to “deliberate well about what is good and advantageous for oneself.”

Virtue we must practice to achieve happiness:

It remains highly relevant in today’s world

Work spans from natural philosophy to logical and political theory

The Role of Society

Moral Character Over Rules

It is a central aim of stoic (enduring) philosophy

the tendency to act in order to achieve some good even facing the risk of physical harm

This is similar to ethical leadership, decision-making in business, and professional ethics in law, medicine, and technology

Focus on the self, the present moment, and the tangible

It is one of the most influential works on ethics and virtue.

characterized by happiness that springs from living and doing well

To avoid pain and discomfort

Nicomachean Ethics is written by who?

practice of doing good no matter how difficult circumstance may be

movements towards a good life

Balance in Life

Happiness is of hedonic kind (Bentham and Hobbes)

Virtue is found in moderation, avoiding both excess and deficiency (e.g., courage is between recklessness and cowardice).

This idea is reflected in concepts like work-life balance, emotional intelligence, and moderation in habits (e.g., healthy eating and exercise).

Virtue through habit

Its principles are reflected in modern psychology, business ethics, leadership, and personal development.

It focuses on how individuals can achieve eudaimonia through virtuous living.

For Aristotle, ultimate happiness would be

This aligns with ideas in habit formation, self-discipline, and cognitivebehavioral psychology (e.g., building good habits for success)

ultimate end of human action

Phronesis

we must practice to achieve happiness

Aristotle argued that ethics is not just about following rules but about developing good character (virtues) like courage, wisdom, and temperance.

an effort to achieve self-actualization and fulfillment within the context if a larger community of individuals, each with the right to pursue his or her own such efforts.

human flourishing or happiness)

To seek pleasure, comfort, satisfaction

concepts of living and doing well