Book 1 / Chapter 7
Paragraph 6 - Outline and Methodology in Ethics
Explanation - Part By Part
"Let this serve as an outline of the good; for we must presumably first sketch it roughly, and then later fill in the details. But it would seem that any one is capable of carrying on and articulating what has once been well outlined, and that time is a good discoverer or partner in such a work; to which facts the advances of the arts are due; for any one can add what is lacking."
Aristotle is saying that the explanation he's given so far about the concept of "the good"—or what makes life fulfilling—should be seen as just a rough sketch. It's like a basic outline or framework, not yet complete or fully detailed. The idea is to start simple, and as more thought and investigation go into it, the picture becomes clearer and more precise. He emphasizes that once a strong foundation or outline is laid, almost anyone can help refine and expand upon it, and time plays an important role in this process. Over time, as new ideas, experiences, and contributions are made, the understanding of "the good" naturally evolves and improves—just as human progress in the arts has historically built on prior work by adding what was missing. Essentially, the process of building understanding is gradual and collaborative.
"And we must also remember what has been said before, and not look for precision in all things alike, but in each class of things such precision as accords with the subject-matter, and so much as is appropriate to the inquiry. For a carpenter and a geometer investigate the right angle in different ways; the former does so in so far as the right angle is useful for his work, while the latter inquires what it is or what sort of thing it is; for he is a spectator of the truth."
Aristotle is highlighting that we should approach different subjects with the level of precision that suits their nature and purpose. Not every field of study demands or even allows for the same kind of exactitude. For example, a carpenter and a mathematician (or geometer) both deal with right angles, but their focus is different. The carpenter looks at right angles practically, using them to construct something functional. In contrast, the mathematician studies the right angle more abstractly, delving into its nature and properties as a truth in itself.
The broader idea is that the method and depth of inquiry depend on the goals of the discipline. Applying the wrong kind of precision to a subject—or demanding it where it's unnecessary—misunderstands its purpose. Aristotle suggests we need to tailor our approach to fit the context of what we’re investigating.
"We must act in the same way, then, in all other matters as well, that our main task may not be subordinated to minor questions. Nor must we demand the cause in all matters alike; it is enough in some cases that the fact be well established, as in the case of the first principles; the fact is the primary thing or first principle."
Aristotle is emphasizing that in any type of investigation or inquiry, we must focus on what is most important instead of getting distracted by minor or less critical questions. He argues that it is not always necessary to demand an explanation (or cause) for everything. In some cases, it's sufficient to simply accept a fact as foundational or self-evident, particularly when dealing with "first principles." These first principles are the starting points or basic truths that don't require further justification because they form the groundwork for everything that follows. Essentially, he's saying we should prioritize understanding the core elements of a subject and not waste time trying to overanalyze or dig too deeply into unnecessary details.
"Now of first principles we see some by induction, some by perception, some by a certain habituation, and others too in other ways. But each set of principles we must try to investigate in the natural way, and we must take pains to state them definitely, since they have a great influence on what follows. For the beginning is thought to be more than half of the whole, and many of the questions we ask are cleared up by it."
Aristotle is saying that there are different ways we come to understand basic "first principles" or foundational truths—these are the starting points for all further knowledge and understanding. He notes that we grasp these principles in various ways: through induction (drawing general principles from specific examples), perception (observing the world through our senses), habituation (learning through practice or repeated experience), and potentially other methods.
Once we identify these principles, it’s crucial to examine and define them carefully because they serve as the groundwork for everything that builds upon them. He emphasizes that getting the basics right is an essential step—the beginning is more than half the work. In essence, a good foundation clears up many questions that would otherwise arise later on. It’s like building a house: if the foundation is solid, everything else becomes easier and more stable.