Book 3 / Chapter 2
Paragraph 1 - The Examination of Choice in Relation to Virtue
Explanation - Part By Part
"Both the voluntary and the involuntary having been delimited, we must next discuss choice;"
Now that Aristotle has clarified the idea of what counts as voluntary (actions driven by the individual’s own awareness and decision) and involuntary (those done by force or out of ignorance), he shifts his attention to choice. Choice, he suggests, is deeply connected to moral virtue, as it reflects not just what someone does, but why they do it—shedding light on their actual character.
"for it is thought to be most closely bound up with virtue and to discriminate characters better than actions do."
Aristotle is saying that choice plays a crucial role in understanding virtue and human character. It's not just about what we do (our actions) but the choices behind those actions that reveal who we truly are. Virtue isn't just about behaving a certain way—it's about deliberately deciding to act in a certain way. Someone's character is better judged by what they choose to do, rather than just by the outward appearance of their actions. In other words, choice reflects our inner morality and intentions more clearly than external actions alone.