Study Guide

The Nicomachean Ethics Book 7, Chapter 1 (1145a15-1145b21)

By Aristotle

Book 7, Chapter 1 (1145a15-1145b21)

Aristotle turns his laser vision to lack of self-restraint, vice, and "brutishness"—all things the virtuous should avoid.
The opposite of brutishness is a kind of divinity: super-goodness. But just as it's rare for man to become a god, it's also pretty unusual for a human to be truly brutish.
This would be the absolutely worst person on the planet, filled with every vice.
Aristotle wants to speak of the problems that arise from lack of backbone: no self-restraint, "softness," and "delicacy."
Also at issue, their opposites: steadfastness and self-restraint.
He sets up the self-restrained and the out-of-control in total opposition to each other.
Major difference? Self-restrained people recognize that what they desire might be great for their souls and so hold themselves back. This person hangs tight to reason.
Aristotle shares various ideas about the steadfast (are they moderate in everything?), those lacking self-restraint (the licentious), and the prudent (can they be without self-restraint?).
He commits to no definite ideas about these categories of people yet.