- 1. The Nicomachean Ethics is a foundational work in Western philosophy written by the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle around the 4th century BCE, named after his son Nicomacheus. In this extensive treatise, Aristotle delves into the nature of human flourishing, or 'eudaimonia', which he identifies as the ultimate purpose of human life. Aristotle argues that achieving true happiness is not merely a matter of pleasure or material success, but is deeply rooted in living a life of virtue, where moral character is cultivated through habituation and the practice of good deeds. The text is divided into ten books, each exploring different aspects of ethical theory, such as the concept of virtue as a mean between extremes, the importance of friendship and community, and the role of reason in guiding ethical decision-making. Aristotle emphasizes the importance of practical wisdom, or 'phronesis', as essential for applying ethical principles in real-life situations, underscoring that ethics is not just a theoretical discipline but is meant to guide action and character. The Nicomachean Ethics has had a profound influence on subsequent philosophical thought, shaping discussions on morality, virtue, and ethics throughout the centuries, and remains a pivotal text for anyone studying moral philosophy, ethics, and the nature of a good life.
How does Aristotle define virtue?
A) The knowledge of good and evil
B) A natural talent one is born with
C) A divine gift from the gods
D) A state of character concerned with choice, lying in a mean
- 2. What is the 'Golden Mean'?
A) The virtuous middle between two vices of excess and deficiency
B) The principle that the ends justify the means
C) The most profitable course of action
D) A mathematical average of opinions
- 3. Courage, according to Aristotle, is a mean between what two extremes?
A) Luxury and austerity
B) Anger and apathy
C) Rashness and cowardice
D) Pride and humility
- 4. What are the two main types of virtue Aristotle identifies?
A) Natural and Learned
B) Physical and Spiritual
C) Public and Private
D) Intellectual and Moral
- 5. What is the function (ergon) of a human being, according to Aristotle?
A) Activity of the soul in accordance with reason
B) To reproduce and continue the species
C) To accumulate knowledge
D) To serve the state
- 6. Aristotle claims that virtue is acquired primarily through:
A) Genetic inheritance
B) Philosophical study alone
C) Divine inspiration
D) Habit (ethos)
- 7. What does Aristotle identify as the highest form of human life?
A) A life of political action
B) A life of philosophical contemplation (theoria)
C) A life of military conquest
D) A life of great wealth and luxury
- 8. What is the relationship between justice and law, according to Aristotle?
A) Justice is separate from and above human law
B) Justice is defined solely by the ruling class
C) Laws are always unjust
D) The just is lawful and fair
- 9. According to Aristotle, what is necessary for an action to be considered virtuous?
A) It must be done in public
B) It must be praised by others
C) It must be chosen knowingly and for its own sake
D) It must be extremely difficult to perform
- 10. What does Aristotle say about the incontinent (akratic) person?
A) They are incapable of reason
B) They are inherently evil
C) They know what is good but fail to do it due to passion
D) They are ignorant of what is good
- 11. Which of these is a characteristic of the 'great-souled' (magnanimous) man?
A) He is overly concerned with others' opinions
B) He is worthy of great things and knows it
C) He seeks wealth above all else
D) He is humble and self-effacing
- 12. What is the first step toward becoming virtuous, according to Aristotle?
A) Pray to the gods for guidance
B) Perform just and temperate actions
C) Find a virtuous teacher
D) Read philosophical texts
- 13. What is the distinctive feature of theoretical wisdom (sophia)?
A) It is about governing people
B) It is about winning arguments
C) It is concerned with eternal and unchanging truths
D) It is about making money
- 14. What does Aristotle mean by 'choice' (prohairesis)?
A) Deliberate desire of things in our power
B) An involuntary reaction
C) A random selection
D) A wish for the impossible
- 15. For Aristotle, what is the relationship between the individual and the state?
A) The state is prior to the individual and necessary for the good life
B) The individual is prior to and independent of the state
C) The state and the individual have no relation
D) The state is an evil necessity
- 16. What is the virtue concerned with social conduct and amusement?
A) Generosity
B) Wittiness
C) Courage
D) Temperance
- 17. How does Aristotle define the 'good'?
A) Whatever God commands
B) A Platonic Form separate from the world
C) Whatever produces the most pleasure
D) That at which all things aim
- 18. What is the intellectual virtue concerned with practical matters and action?
A) Phronesis (Practical Wisdom)
B) Sophia (Theoretical Wisdom)
C) Episteme (Scientific Knowledge)
D) Techne (Craft Knowledge)
- 19. What is the vice of excess for the virtue of truthfulness?
A) Flattery
B) Sarcasm
C) Self-deprecation
D) Boastfulness
- 20. What is the virtue concerned with social conduct and conversation?
A) Wittiness
B) Truthfulness
C) Righteous indignation
D) Friendliness
- 21. What is the virtue that is the mean between cowardice and rashness?
A) Justice
B) Temperance
C) Courage
D) Generosity
- 22. The vice of excess for the virtue of generosity is...
A) Boastfulness
B) Stinginess
C) Cowardice
D) Prodigality (Wastefulness)
- 23. What is the virtue concerned with giving and taking small sums of money?
A) Liberality
B) Justice
C) Magnificence
D) Friendliness
- 24. What is the virtue that is the mean concerning pleasures and pains?
A) Courage
B) Wisdom
C) Temperance
D) Truthfulness
- 25. What is the term for a bad state of character?
A) Sin
B) Error
C) Ignorance
D) Vice
- 26. What does Aristotle call a weakness of will, knowing the good but failing to do it?
A) Akrasia
B) Hubris
C) Hamartia
D) Aporia
- 27. What is the vice of excess for the virtue of ambition?
A) Shyness
B) Empty vanity
C) Lack of ambition
D) Stinginess
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