ABdurhman ALwafiProf, MarvinPHL319 Book II of Aristotle’s Nichomachean EthicsThe Book II of Aristotle’s Nichomachean Ethics has coveredvarious ideas that are interesting based on the meanings that they have. BookII mainly deals with the issue of virtue in multiple forms and understanding.The first idea in Book II that is interesting is the main idea that surroundsthe concept of virtue. Aristotle indicates that virtue is mainly in twocategories and that is the moral and intellectual virtue. Intellectual virtueis rooted in teachings, and moral is based on habit. The two divisions make iteasier to understand the concept as it eliminates any ambiguity.The second main idea covered in Book II is about the signsinvolved in characters about the pleasure and pains that are experienced duringvarious acts.
In this situation, Aristotle indicates that excellence that istied to morality is based on the pains and pleasures that one has. Aristotlefurther suggests that a brave individual is one who is against things consideredto be terrible and at the same time finds delights in such a stand. In thissituation, I think that Aristotle indicates that brave people are only thosewho can challenge any action that they deem to be terrible and feel happy aboutit. It is true argued because standing for what one feels is right even if itis unpopular shows bravery.The third idea in the book that is interesting is regardingthe issue of being temperate and just. Aristotle argues that the agent who doesan action must meet certain conditions when executing the act. Aristotlereveals that one must know to choose an act that is mainly for their sake.Also, the action that one takes must be based on a character that is firm andunchangeable.
Hence, actions are either just or temperate because just andtemperate men do them. This is an idea that makes sense based on myunderstanding. It indicates that the actions that one takes are based on howthey are. The fourth idea contained in the book is regarding thedescription that is given to virtue which is based on the sort of the state ofthe character involved.
Aristotle argues that the virtue that a person isengaged in reflects the state of character that enables such a person to begood and also that allows him to execute his work flawlessly. This reveals thatone can good based on the condition that they are in. Based on myunderstanding, if someone is happy, then they can be involved in activitiesthat bring happiness. Thelast main idea that has been captured in the book is about the existence ofthree types of disposition. The three types are excess, deficiency and avirtue, viz. The threes aspect are opposed to each other. It shows that whereone position dictates how they view other people.
I agree with Aristotle inthat a coward will view a brave man as being rash and a brave man will alsoconsider a coward as being rash. Hence, I believe Aristotle is saying that wejudge people based on the conditions that were are in.
