- 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) A state of character concerned with choice, lying in a mean
B) The knowledge of good and evil
C) A natural talent one is born with
D) A divine gift from the gods
- 2. What is the 'Golden Mean'?
A) The most profitable course of action
B) A mathematical average of opinions
C) The principle that the ends justify the means
D) The virtuous middle between two vices of excess and deficiency
- 3. Courage, according to Aristotle, is a mean between what two extremes?
A) Luxury and austerity
B) Rashness and cowardice
C) Pride and humility
D) Anger and apathy
- 4. What are the two main types of virtue Aristotle identifies?
A) Physical and Spiritual
B) Natural and Learned
C) Public and Private
D) Intellectual and Moral
- 5. What is the function (ergon) of a human being, according to Aristotle?
A) To accumulate knowledge
B) To serve the state
C) Activity of the soul in accordance with reason
D) To reproduce and continue the species
- 6. Aristotle claims that virtue is acquired primarily through:
A) Philosophical study alone
B) Habit (ethos)
C) Divine inspiration
D) Genetic inheritance
- 7. What does Aristotle identify as the highest form of human life?
A) A life of military conquest
B) A life of philosophical contemplation (theoria)
C) A life of great wealth and luxury
D) A life of political action
- 8. What is the relationship between justice and law, according to Aristotle?
A) Justice is defined solely by the ruling class
B) Laws are always unjust
C) The just is lawful and fair
D) Justice is separate from and above human law
- 9. According to Aristotle, what is necessary for an action to be considered virtuous?
A) It must be extremely difficult to perform
B) It must be praised by others
C) It must be chosen knowingly and for its own sake
D) It must be done in public
- 10. What does Aristotle say about the incontinent (akratic) person?
A) They know what is good but fail to do it due to passion
B) They are ignorant of what is good
C) They are inherently evil
D) They are incapable of reason
- 11. Which of these is a characteristic of the 'great-souled' (magnanimous) man?
A) He is worthy of great things and knows it
B) He is humble and self-effacing
C) He seeks wealth above all else
D) He is overly concerned with others' opinions
- 12. What is the first step toward becoming virtuous, according to Aristotle?
A) Read philosophical texts
B) Find a virtuous teacher
C) Pray to the gods for guidance
D) Perform just and temperate actions
- 13. What is the distinctive feature of theoretical wisdom (sophia)?
A) It is concerned with eternal and unchanging truths
B) It is about winning arguments
C) It is about governing people
D) It is about making money
- 14. What does Aristotle mean by 'choice' (prohairesis)?
A) A random selection
B) A wish for the impossible
C) An involuntary reaction
D) Deliberate desire of things in our power
- 15. For Aristotle, what is the relationship between the individual and the state?
A) The state is an evil necessity
B) The state is prior to the individual and necessary for the good life
C) The individual is prior to and independent of the state
D) The state and the individual have no relation
- 16. What is the virtue concerned with social conduct and amusement?
A) Temperance
B) Wittiness
C) Generosity
D) Courage
- 17. How does Aristotle define the 'good'?
A) Whatever produces the most pleasure
B) That at which all things aim
C) Whatever God commands
D) A Platonic Form separate from the world
- 18. What is the intellectual virtue concerned with practical matters and action?
A) Phronesis (Practical Wisdom)
B) Sophia (Theoretical Wisdom)
C) Techne (Craft Knowledge)
D) Episteme (Scientific Knowledge)
- 19. What is the vice of excess for the virtue of truthfulness?
A) Boastfulness
B) Sarcasm
C) Flattery
D) Self-deprecation
- 20. What is the virtue concerned with social conduct and conversation?
A) Friendliness
B) Truthfulness
C) Righteous indignation
D) Wittiness
- 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) Friendliness
C) Justice
D) Magnificence
- 24. What is the virtue that is the mean concerning pleasures and pains?
A) Truthfulness
B) Wisdom
C) Temperance
D) Courage
- 25. What is the term for a bad state of character?
A) Vice
B) Ignorance
C) Error
D) Sin
- 26. What does Aristotle call a weakness of will, knowing the good but failing to do it?
A) Akrasia
B) Hamartia
C) Hubris
D) Aporia
- 27. What is the vice of excess for the virtue of ambition?
A) Stinginess
B) Shyness
C) Lack of ambition
D) Empty vanity
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