Nicomachean Ethics

Summary Book VI

This section deals with intellectual values. Aristotle states that a virtue is attained through making a selection between spiteful immoderations based on moral principles.  This, therefore, implies that individuals do not have a beneficial understanding of virtues until the moment when the right principles are defined clearly (Ross, 1999).  According to Aristotle, the soul is subdivided into both irrational and ration sections.  The rational section deals specifically with practical existence matters. This, therefore, involves the ability to reason critically to solve the issues extensively.  This, therefore, helps in developing the right choices in life (Ross, 1999).

Aristotle states that intellectual virtues are five which helps an individual’s soul at arriving at the truth.   The external truth is achieved by scientific knowledge through inductions means.  Based on proper reason technical skills of an individual are achieved (Ross, 1999).  A better life pursuing is achieved through the use of practical wisdom.  In achieving scientific intuitions wisdom which is the combination of intuition and knowledge helps in achieving the highest level of truth.  According to Aristotle prudence is a political science species based on that it is objected at ensuring life’s goodness (Ross, 1999).

Intellectual virtues assist individuals in establishing the admirable, just as well as moral virtues which assists individuals in conducting just and interesting actions (Ross, 1999). This, therefore, implies that the existence of knowledge without actions is nothing. Intellectual virtues are crucial because they generate happiness. Intellectual virtues in addition help in determining the suitable mean which helps in moral teaching.  Without the existence of cleverness and wisdom, this implies that a moral individual can never attain virtuous (Ross, 1999). This is based on that intellectual virtues assists individuals in grasping the right actions principles in life.

 

 

 

 

            References

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