Nicomachean Ethics Book VII

Summary

In the seventh book Aristotle discusses the subjects of pleasure and incontinence. Aristotle defines incontinence as the lack of adequate individual control (Ross, 1999). This is something that is in between temperance virtue and intemperance vice.   This is a demonstration of less self-human control with more demonstration of intemperance. In this section Aristotle discusses the manner in which pleasure acts in controlling an individual’s conduct.  Incontinence generates the feature of the association that exists between good deeds and knowledge.  According to the Greek the option of doing bad over good can only be influenced by ignorance (Ross, 1999).

According to Aristotle individuals are more likely to engage in deeds that are opposite to what they are required to (Ross, 1999).  Aristotle additionally makes the argument that there are several ways in which one can act contrary to their general knowledge and in the real sense they are not doing that at all.  For instance he states that an individual may be aware of holding a particular knowledge but when his mind is occupied with something different he forgets about the knowledge thus paying zero attention. He adds that one may hold the knowledge of the whole truth in regard of doing well but in a particular case the knowledge is ignored.  Due to passion as well as growing desires the knowledge of good deeds may be cleared (Ross, 1999).

Aristotle concludes this section by stating that a god existence is the only one that establishes pleasure in those activities that are objected towards personality growth rather than the ones that results in destruction (Ross, 1999).  In absolute nature pleasure cannot be regarded as evil as pleasure that is generated from positive activities generates significant life values. On the other hand Aristotle notes that pleasure cannot be regarded as good as it may make those things that are evil to be attractive due to desires (Ross, 1999).

 

 

 

            References

Ross W.D. (1999).  Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics. Batoche Books, Kitchener.