Book 2 / Chapter 2
Paragraph 1 - The Nature of Virtuous Actions and Conduct
Explanation - Part By Part
"Since, then, the present inquiry does not aim at theoretical knowledge like the others (for we are inquiring not in order to know what virtue is, but in order to become good, since otherwise our inquiry would have been of no use), we must examine the nature of actions, namely how we ought to do them; for these determine also the nature of the states of character that are produced, as we have said."
Aristotle is explaining that the purpose of this investigation isn't just to think or theorize about what virtue is in a purely intellectual sense. Instead, the goal is practical: to actually become good people. Understanding virtue matters only if it helps us live virtuous lives and build good character. To achieve this, we must focus on actions—specifically on how we perform them—because our actions shape the kind of person we become. Virtue, in other words, is about what we consistently do, not just what we know.
"Now, that we must act according to the right rule is a common principle and must be assumed-it will be discussed later, i.e. both what the right rule is, and how it is related to the other virtues."
Aristotle is emphasizing that there's a fundamental idea we need to accept: we should act in line with a "right rule" or guiding principle. While he doesn't dive into the specifics of what this "right rule" entails here, he promises to elaborate on it later and explain how this idea connects to the other virtues he’s discussing. Essentially, he's laying the groundwork for deeper exploration into what it means to live and act virtuously, reminding us that there's a standard or guideline we ought to follow to develop moral character.
"But this must be agreed upon beforehand, that the whole account of matters of conduct must be given in outline and not precisely, as we said at the very beginning that the accounts we demand must be in accordance with the subject-matter; matters concerned with conduct and questions of what is good for us have no fixity, any more than matters of health."
Aristotle is pointing out something very important here: when we discuss ethics and how to live a good life, we can't expect the same level of precision as we would in something like mathematics or physics. Why? Because human behavior and questions about what is "good" or "right" are complex and highly dependent on specific situations. Just like in matters of health, there's no one-size-fits-all solution or rule that applies perfectly to every case. Things like diet and exercise vary from person to person, context to context—and the same goes for moral and ethical behavior. It's more about general principles than exact, unchanging rules.
"The general account being of this nature, the account of particular cases is yet more lacking in exactness; for they do not fall under any art or precept but the agents themselves must in each case consider what is appropriate to the occasion, as happens also in the art of medicine or of navigation."
This part highlights that when it comes to ethics or questions of "what is the right action to take," there is no one-size-fits-all rule or formula. Aristotle compares ethical decision-making to practices like medicine or navigation. In those fields, professionals—like doctors or sailors—cannot rely solely on rigid instructions; instead, they must evaluate specific circumstances and adapt their actions accordingly. Similarly, in ethics, individuals must carefully assess the unique details of each situation to determine the most appropriate course of action, considering the context rather than relying on a fixed or universal rule. This reinforces the idea that ethical reasoning involves practical judgment and flexibility, not just theoretical knowledge.