Aristotelean or Nichomachean Ethics is not concerned with what to do . Rather it

Question

Aristotelean or Nichomachean Ethics is not concerned with what to do. Rather it focuses on how to be, it emphasizes the idea that the correct behavior is the result of cultivating virtue and moderation. Thus, if one makes a habit of virtue and avoids excess, the resultant behavior is likely to be ethical. Virtue is eminently practical in that it can be cultivated through practice until it becomes habit - this is practical wisdom.

Do you feel this is a comprehensive approach, is it better or worst than the Kantian and Utilitarian perspectives? Why or why not? Can you use all approaches as per the need?

Explanation / Answer

Aristotelean or Nichomachean Ethics states that human beings should focus on how to be rather than what to do. All human actions should aim for the ultimate good. Ultimate good includes the values of being complete, self-sufficient and final. Ethical virtues like bravery, generosity, temperance etc, are habits disposed towards action. They are a deliberate choice and the eventual result will be ethical.

Yes, i feel that this is a comprehensive approach. Kant's theory (Kantian) does not account for the result of our actions. As per this theory, the rightness or the wrongness of our actions depends on whether they fulfill our duty. They do not depend on the consequences of the action. The Nichomachean Ethics focuses on the consequences by emphasizing on virtues and habits. The consequence should be the ultimate good.

Utilitarian ethics, on the other hand, places the locus of right and wrong solely on the outcome. The objective is to maximize utility. However, it ignores the aspects of virtues. Thus, Nichomachean Ethics is a comprehensive approach and hence better than the Kantian and Utilitarian perspectives.

Yes, all the approaches can be used as per the need. Nichomachean Ethics should be used to meet long term needs and objectives. If the need is to adhere to the moral law then Kantian perspective should be used. Lastly, if the need is to maximize the utility then the Utilitarian perspective should be used.

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