Book 9 / Chapter 2
Paragraph 1 - Dilemmas of Duty and Preference
Explanation - Part By Part
"A further problem is set by such questions as, whether one should in all things give the preference to one's father and obey him, or whether when one is ill one should trust a doctor, and when one has to elect a general should elect a man of military skill;"
This part is questioning whether allegiance and obedience to close personal ties, like honoring and preferring one's father, should always outweigh practical expertise. Aristotle presents a dilemma—should we always prioritize familial or personal loyalty, or should we defer to the knowledge and skills of those best equipped to handle particular situations?
For example, if you're sick, it might feel right to respect your father's opinion out of love or obligation. However, a doctor’s expertise might be more appropriate to guide your decisions in such a situation. Similarly, when choosing a leader for the military, personal loyalty or respect shouldn’t override the fact that someone with actual military skills is better suited for the role.
The broader question he's raising is about when to prioritize personal relationships and moral obligations, versus when practical expertise or skill should take precedence. It’s an exploration of how we navigate competing demands between emotional bonds and rational decision-making based on competence.
"and similarly whether one should render a service by preference to a friend or to a good man, and should show gratitude to a benefactor or oblige a friend, if one cannot do both."
Aristotle is posing a moral dilemma here, one that we still encounter today. He is reflecting on situations where we have to choose between competing obligations or loyalties. Specifically, he asks: if you cannot help both, should you prioritize helping a friend (which reflects personal loyalty and emotional bonds) or a good person (someone with high moral character, implying a broader responsibility to what is ethically right)? Similarly, if you are faced with two people to whom you owe something, should you show gratitude to a benefactor (someone who has previously helped you) or prioritize helping a friend who currently needs your support?
These questions highlight the complexity of moral choices — when competing values, relationships, and duties collide. Aristotle is encouraging us to think about how we rank these principles in our lives: loyalty to friends, gratitude, or broader ethical virtue.