The ancient Greek scientist Aristotle is a student of the great thinker Plato and mentor of A. the Great. He is the creator of a comprehensive system of philosophy, covering various areas of human life: physics, logic, politics, sociology.
The ethics of antiquity in the works of Aristotle reaches its highest development. In addition to the fact that the great thinker first raised the question of the independence of science that studies the relationship between people, he also created a deep theory of morality. However, his main merit is the writing of a work entitled Ethics to Nicomache. In this work, he speaks of the importance of the science of morality for society, since it is precisely this that makes it possible to educate virtuous citizens.
Aristotle's “Ethics” is based on theology. The ancient thinker says that all people strive for a meaningful goal for them, which the philosopher calls the highest good. Moreover, the desires of an individual coincide with the aspirations of the state as a whole. The main task of the two parties is to achieve good for the whole society and the state. This is possible thanks to the intelligent active life of all citizens of society. Aristotle's "Ethics" for the first time defined good as happiness.
Higher goals can be achieved only through the comprehension by man of virtues. Their essence lies in the ability to choose the right thing, based on the principle of "middle", avoiding lack and excess. Aristotle's "Ethics" argues that one can know virtues. They are comprehended only by repeated repetition of actions.
The philosopher divides virtues into ethical (associated with the nature of man, such as restraint, generosity, etc.) and dianoetic (develop in the learning process). These important features for humans are not innate in their qualities, but acquired.
Aristotle's “Ethics” describes eleven virtues, thanks to which a person can achieve harmonious development:
- moderation;
- courage;
- majesty;
- generosity;
- ambition;
- generosity;
- truthfulness;
- evenness;
- friendliness;
- courtesy;
- justice.
The philosophical views of Aristotle
The thinker considers being as a living substance, having the following characteristics:
- matter;
- reason;
- the form;
- target.
He considers matter as an objectively existing phenomenon. It is indestructible and inescapable, that is, eternal. Matter cannot increase or decrease. It is reflected in five elements: fire, air, earth, water and ether.
According to Aristotle, form is the beginning of the formation of matter from things that are created to achieve the ultimate good.
Reason characterizes the moment in time at which the existence of a thing begins. This is a kind of energy that creates something at rest.
For all things, there is one goal - the highest good.
Aristotle said about the soul that it is eternal and immortal. The body is only its outer shell. According to Aristotle, the soul is a regulator of a person’s internal behavior, the highest principle of the organization of his being.
The scientist defined God as the beginning of all beginnings and the cause of any movement. The deity is the subject of higher knowledge.
Aristotle's politics
The philosopher argued that man is able to live only in society. People need politics in order to best arrange their life in the state. Its goal is to instill in all citizens of the society moral qualities that enable them to live fairly. This is possible thanks to the upbringing of virtue in people, which consists in the ability to fulfill one's civic duty and the ability to obey the laws. The politician must create the best form of socio-political structure that meets the specified goal.
The state is the highest form of relationships between people in society.
