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A Comparison Between Aristotle And Nicomachean Ethics

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In todays world there is a distinct gap which separates virtue (ethics) from politics. For instance, the two distinct areas are not usually studied together, but mostly in separation of one another. This is far different than Aristotle’S approach in which he grouped both areas together because he felt that they are both practical sciences concerned with good action. Nicomachean Ethics is where his beliefs come to the forefront, with his connection of politics and virtue. He argues that all of the sciences are put to use in political science, which make it the master of promoting human good. He states that the “true politician is thought to have put most of his effort into studying virtue” (NE, 13). I take this to mean that the study of virtue seems to be of primary importance to both politicans and political scientists. Machiavelli and Aristotle share similarities but also many key differences. Aristotle says that in order to be a proper student of ethics, the student must already have substantial life experience and instruction in virtue. A student that is not properly informed in ethics will not profit from the subject of virtue because this person is more inclined to listen to their own passions than to actually reason. (NE, Ch.1) Branching off of that, Aristotle belives that to be a leader, one should have the highest moral virtues achievable. They must have virtue in perfection. He also says that humans practice virtues because embracing them are what it means to be

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