Intro to Aristotle's Ethics | Lecture 2: Aristotle's Politics and the Nature of Man

Lecture Overview:
In Book I of the Politics, Aristotle writes that “man alone among the animals has speech.” This unique faculty leads to man’s concern for the good and enables him to form political communities — which exist for the sake of living well.

Course Overview:
In the Nicomachean Ethics—the first book written on the subject of how best to live—Aristotle argues that human happiness chiefly depends upon a person’s character, which is formed by making good choices. This course examines Aristotle’s teachings about human nature, the meaning of the good, and the virtues necessary for happiness. Students will not only learn what Aristotle says about the good life, but will also explore ways to put this knowledge to work.

[johnburens]

I appreciate that you have made this available for us to contemplate. Thank you!

[intrepidus]

Larry is such a great teacher. I think in philosophy there is something innate that the student knows but can't quite put words to. The good teacher guides the student to formulate their own thoughts and put order to them. In so doing, the thoughts become tools for effecting change in the students environment.

Thank you Hillsdale College for making this wonderful content available to us.

[r.waynefournier]

Thank you, Dr. Arnn, for letting me be part of this circle of learning.

[victoriagreenroyd]

Dr. Arne, watching your lectures is GOOD and whenever I do I wish I were an undergraduate again. I am grateful for Hillsdale, the ability to take these courses online and enrich my life in the process. God bless you, sir. Amen. Sincerely, Victoria Greenroyd

[russman]

I appreciate all the Hillsdale content. Still I can't help but think if Aristotle were with us today he'd never stop throwing up.

[Xpistos]

This here is a goldmine of education that's being shared. I love it.

[fsirjyy]

I have listen to all of these lectures on there website multiple times and every time I hear or learn something new that I have to think about. Every time I think I have it mastered. I learn something new, even if its something small.

[agent_k]

2:48 We are truly intellectuals 🤣🤣🤣 I love Hillsdale so much. You people make things that I have been starved of (because of my inability to understand what I'm reading) edible, and help me learn how to eat. Thank you. I cried today when I realized this is the beauty that I was looking for, for the last decade, after tasting it somewhere before. Thank you.

[Euthanasit]

This lecture reminds me of a scholar’s admonition about the purpose of reading classical books: a good book must be something like “an enchiridion—a little dagger to arm him/her against the swarming night, a little dagger that might help him/her to cut his/her way among the enemies and perplexities of life.” Aristotle raises the question how can we identify the good citizen and the good man?

[robertj.]

I love the look on the students faces. Each of them are learning, which is a satisfying thing to do. No matter the age of the student.

[benjaminvenegas]

Appreciate that clarification at the beginning. Much needed in these times.

[DianaLynnStinson]

Working toward being a good person and practicing ethical behavior builds character and improves lives. I learn more everyday, and when I found this free class, I enrolled. They call it Lectures, however, so far it is wonderful conversations/discussions. Looking forward to this class! Excellent professor too.

[oldterry]

You might want to see “The Myth of Religious Neutrality” by Roy A Clouser, an uniquely Christian metaphysics.

[noahdespain]

This is very valuable considering the post modern sentiment regarding the defining of certain things, e.g. gender.

[kenswitzer]

I have been ignorant of things in my lifetime and my opinion of philosophers has not been good but this is very intriguing and had me thinking about my understanding of other things. I now see philosophers in a different light such as using common sense to come to their conclusions. Thank you hillsdsle for this valuable lesson.

[constitutionalist]

This is a national treasure, we should all be grateful

[bellabb]

Thank you Dr. Arnn! It is so inspiring listening to you talk about Aristotle’s teachings. I went to a parochial school from Kindergarten to College. But listening to you I realize I still have so much to learn & I’m already 70yo. But I do plan to take Hillsdale online courses, I do need to learn how to be good!🥰

[davidlawrencepatrickgaffne]

This is fantastic. Currently studying at doctoral level and only wish I had you at my university. Thank you for sharing!

[Euthanasit]

Socrates and Plato believed that the road to moral knowledge was steep and narrow. Plato argued that goodness is a branch of knowledge or a special skill accessible only to the gifted and philosophers. But Aristotle disagreed: “The good life is within the reach of ordinary men.” Aristotle prizes man’s intellectual and moral capacities, not just man as moral hero and an intellectual. The proper fulfillment of man’s physical and social nature is also indispensable. For Aristotle, the “man of prudence” is capable of moral choice and action.

[ata-ayitehunlede]

Wonderful, marvellous, awesome and insightful lecture which ignites the fire of learning. Congrats Prof.