Study Guide

The Nicomachean Ethics Book 3, Chapter 11 (1118b9-1119a20)

By Aristotle

Book 3, Chapter 11 (1118b9-1119a20)

The desire for sex and food is natural for humans and common to all of us. But other than these, we're each unique in what we desire.
These "natural" desires tend to be abused in one way: through excess.
In the more bizarre desires, however, there are many ways to err. We might enjoy things we shouldn't, or just enjoy these things too much.
A licentious person suffers pain but it isn't the same kind of pain suffered by a courageous person. Instead, they feel pain when pleasure is taken away from them.
A moderate person is never bothered by having to give up pleasures.
Also, a licentious person makes all of his decisions based on getting pleasure, which will lead him to bad behavior at some point.
So here's a paradox: extreme pleasure-seekers suffer more pain than the moderates, since they are pained when they miss out on pleasure and pained when they choose badly because of it.
A moderate person enjoys pleasure, but only the kind that leads to health and happiness.

Ask questions, get answers, and discuss with others.

Join today and never see them again.

Get started