Voluntary action and personal responsibility in Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics

In Book III (page 30-49) of his Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle discusses the roles of voluntary action and personal responsibility in regards to becoming a virtuous person. He argues that virtue is a choice, and that we are responsible for our choices. We can choose to be virtuous, and we should choose to be virtuous.

Aristotle begins by discussing the difference between voluntary and involuntary actions. Voluntary actions are those that we perform knowingly and willingly. Involuntary actions are those that we perform under duress or ignorance. Aristotle argues that only voluntary actions are praiseworthy or blameworthy. We are not responsible for actions that we perform involuntarily.

Aristotle then goes on to argue that virtue is a choice. He defines virtue as “a disposition to choose the mean relative to us, determined by reason as the prudent person would apprehend it.” In other words, virtue is a habit of choosing the right thing to do, in the right way, and at the right time.

Aristotle argues that we can choose to be virtuous because we have the capacity for reason. Reason allows us to understand what the right thing to do is, and it also allows us to choose to do the right thing. We are not simply slaves to our emotions or our desires. We can choose to act in accordance with reason.

Aristotle also argues that we are responsible for our choices. This is because we have the capacity to choose, and we are aware of the consequences of our choices. We know that if we choose to act in a virtuous way, we will become virtuous people. And we know that if we choose to act in a vicious way, we will become vicious people.

Aristotle concludes by arguing that we should choose to be virtuous. He says that virtue is the best way to live. Virtuous people are happy and fulfilled people. They also live good and meaningful lives.

Book III, Chapter 5 is particularly relevant to this question because it discusses the role of praise and blame in developing virtuous character. Aristotle argues that praise and blame are important because they help us to learn what is virtuous and what is vicious. When we are praised for our virtuous actions, it reinforces our desire to be virtuous. And when we are blamed for our vicious actions, it discourages us from being vicious.

Aristotle also argues that praise and blame are important because they help us to develop self-awareness. We come to understand ourselves better by seeing how others react to our actions. When we are praised, we see that we have the capacity for virtue. And when we are blamed, we see that we have the capacity for vice.

Conclusion

Aristotle argues that voluntary action and personal responsibility are essential for becoming a virtuous person. We can choose to be virtuous, and we are responsible for our choices. We should choose to be virtuous because virtue is the best way to live. Praise and blame play an important role in developing virtuous character by helping us to learn what is virtuous and what is vicious, and by helping us to develop self-awareness.

Here are some additional thoughts on the role of voluntary action and personal responsibility in Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics:

• Aristotle emphasizes that virtue is a habit. This means that we do not become virtuous by performing a single virtuous action. We become virtuous by repeatedly choosing to act in a virtuous way.
• Aristotle also emphasizes that virtue is not simply a matter of following rules. We need to understand the reasons for the rules in order to be truly virtuous. For example, we should not be honest simply because we have been told to be honest. We should be honest because we understand that honesty is the best way to build and maintain relationships.
• Aristotle believes that virtue is essential for a good life. He argues that virtuous people are happy and fulfilled people. They also live good and meaningful lives.

In the context of the current war in Ukraine, Aristotle’s insights into voluntary action and personal responsibility are particularly relevant. The war is a complex and difficult situation, but we each have a role to play in promoting peace and justice. We can choose to support Ukraine and its allies in their fight against Russian aggression. We can also choose to promote peace and understanding through our words and actions.

We are all responsible for our choices. We can choose to be a force for good in the world, or we can choose to be a force for evil. The choice is ours.