Nicomachean Ethics
Book IV Summary
Aristotle described the particular character’s virtues, their possibilities, deficiencies and excesses. He accomplishes this through concentrating on the generosity virtue which is connected to valuable and money. Aristotle states that generosity excesses are wasteful and the shortage can thus be regarded as un-generosity (Ross, 1999).
According to Aristotle a generous character gives what he has the right person at the right period, in adequate and proper amount and accomplishes this with pleasure. Aristotle asserts that generosity is also characterized with taking and this therefore implies that a generous character does not acquire what to give from the wrong resources (Ross, 1999). The generous character takes from his wealth or from right sources which permits him to give to others again. Aristotle adds that those raw materials that individuals give out cannot be termed as the source of his generosity. This is because according to Aristotle generosity is measured from the much that an individual can be able to give out. This therefore means that an individual who gives less can be regarded as a generous character when compared to another giver provided that what he has to give is less (Ross, 1999).
Aristotle asserts that wasteful individuals acquires too much and give the much for the wrong aims (Ross, 1999). This is mainly because they cannot establish an endless money spending supply but the wasteful individuals are closer to generosity at that point when their money runs out. Individuals who are characterized ungenerous find it difficult to give despite the fact that they are exposed to wealth. According to Aristotle all humans holds a higher capability of becoming ungenerous individuals (Ross, 1999).
Aristotle claims that generosity is related to magnificence. This is an incorporation of money spending which are increased amounts (Ross, 1999). According to Aristotle magnificence means large public gifts. He stated that magnificence excesses are regarded as vulgarity and the shortage is termed as stinginess. The vulgar individuals are more involved in giving huge public gifts in order to display their wealth status which is the wrong purpose. A stingy individual on the other hand is bound to spend on the public gift but he attempts to spend less thus holding back the rest. Aristotle claims that continence can be termed as a virtue in its own nature (Ross, 1999).
Reference
Ross W.D. (1999). Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics. Batoche Books, Kitchener.
