Single Idea 45

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 1. Nature of Ethics / d. Ethical theory]

Full Idea

We are studying not to know what goodness is, but how to become good men.

Gist of Idea

We aim not to identify goodness, but to be good

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1103b27)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.93


A Reaction

How can a philosopher not want to know what goodness is? Can you fail to be good if you know what goodness is? Can you be a good man without understanding goodness?