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Single Idea 56

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / c. Motivation for virtue]

Full Idea

A person is a good man when he does the acts from choice, and for the sake of the acts themselves.

Gist of Idea

A person is good if they act from choice, and for the sake of the actions in themselves

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1144a19)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.222


A Reaction

Not sure about 'for the sake of the acts themselves'. A good deed might be something unpleasant, in order to achieve a generally desired end. An action might be right but not good.