Ancient Greek scientist Aristotle isa disciple of the great thinker Plato and mentor of A. Macedon. He is the creator of a comprehensive system of philosophy embracing various spheres of human life: physics, logic, politics, sociology.
Ethics antiquity in the works of Aristotle reachesthe highest development. In addition to the fact that the great thinker first raised the question of the independence of the science studying the relations between people, he also created a deep theory of morality. However, his main merit is the writing of work called "Ethics to Nycomed". In this work he speaks about the importance of the science of morality for society, since it is it that enables to educate virtuous citizens.
The "ethics" of Aristotle is based on theology.An ancient thinker says that all people are striving for a meaningful goal for them, which the philosopher calls the highest good. In this case, the desires of an individual coincide with the aspirations of the state as a whole. The main task of the two sides is to achieve the good for the whole society and the state. This is possible thanks to the intelligent active life of all citizens of society. The "ethics" of Aristotle first defined the good as happiness.
Higher goals can only be achieved throughthe comprehension of virtues by man. Their essence lies in the ability to choose the right action, based on the principle of the "middle", avoiding the lack and excess. The "ethics" of Aristotle asserts that it is possible to know the virtues. They are comprehended only by repeated repetition of actions.
The philosopher divides virtues into ethical (related tocharacter of the person, such as restraint, generosity, etc.) and dianoethic (develop in the process of training). These important for a person traits are not innate his qualities, but acquired.
The "ethics" of Aristotle describes the eleven virtues through which man can achieve harmonious development:
- Moderation;
- courage;
- Majesty;
- generosity;
- ambition;
- magnanimity;
- truthfulness;
- evenness;
- friendliness;
- courtesy;
- justice.
Philosophical views of Aristotle
The thinker considers being as a living substance having the following characteristics:
- matter;
- the reason;
- the form;
- target.
Matter he views as an objectiveexisting phenomenon. It is indestructible and uncreatable, that is, eternal. Matter can not increase or decrease. It is reflected in five elements: fire, air, earth, water and ether.
According to Aristotle, form is the beginning of the emergence from the material of things that are created to achieve the ultimate good.
The reason characterizes that moment of time, in which the existence of a thing begins. This is a kind of energy that creates something in peace.
For all things there is a single goal - the highest good.
About the soul, Aristotle said that it is eternal and immortal. The body is only its outer shell. The soul according to Aristotle is the regulator of the inner behavior of man, the supreme principle of the organization of his being.
The scientist defined God as the beginning of all principles and the cause of any movement. The deity is the object of higher knowledge.
Aristotle's policy
The philosopher asserted that man is able to liveonly in society. Politics is necessary for people in order to best arrange their lives in the state. Its goal is to instill in all citizens of society moral qualities that allow them to live in justice. This is possible due to the education in people of virtue, which consists in the ability to fulfill their civic duty and ability to obey the laws. The politician must create the best form of social and political structure that meets this goal.
The state is the highest form of relationships among people in society.
