Aristotles Classical Theory on Ethics - Essay Example

This theory expounds and scrutinizes the good and bad habits that people have which determine their way of life. Aristotle argued that it was significant that a person should develop virtues because they will achieve excellence in both character and activities such as their goals and objectives.

It constitutes good traits that are important and enables a person to carry out their duties, at the right time, and in the correct way. The scholar discussed moral philosophy in three categories that include happiness, the right, and the good aspects. He explained that the personality of an individual is determined by elements such as individual agents, virtues, vices, and the mode of attaining happiness in life.

The good feature composes of a superior good that is targeted by everyone to achieve their ultimate goals and targets. Non-Aristotle form of good entails the attainment of wealth, honor, pleasure, and happiness. He explains that in order to achieve this aspect, the highest and worthy course of action should be taken (Modrak 2001). Aristotle describes happiness as the state of living and performing different activities with effective procedures. He emphasizes that this category of moral philosophy is not subjective, but it is objective which implies that it is not associated with feelings such as pleasure.

It entails the activity of a person’s soul rather than their state that relates also to their virtues (Rorty 2006). An individual’s virtues are important and determine whether they can achieve happiness. They are connected, therefore since they provide a conducive and flourishing environment that enables a person to work effectively and be good. Aristotle classified virtues into two categories that comprise the intellectual aspect which is considered the rational part of a person’s personality.

The second classification is composed of moral values which encompass the rational and the appetitive area of the soul. Virtues are significant since an individual can engage in an activity to the correct extent (Aristotle & Reeve 2014) implying that they engage in different actions which are appropriate. They maintain, therefore, the correct course of action toward the right people, objects, motives, and in the correct way. He also added that morals are acquired through practice and habituation which is significant in the achievement of goals and hence makes a person happy.

Vices are associated and characterized, on the other hand, with misery, unhappiness, and inactivity since a person who engages in evil practices feels insufficient, incomplete, and unpleasant. There are various characteristics of vices which include boastfulness, meanness, shyness, envy, vulgarity, rashness, and self-indulgence. These act as a disadvantage to individuals because they are denied genuine happiness and contemplated wellness. Aristotle's classical theory is significant, therefore, because it enables human beings to understand the importance of well living, happiness, and the ultimate goal of their lives.