Study Guide

The Nicomachean Ethics Book 9, Chapter 2 (1164b22-1165a35)

Book 9, Chapter 2 (1164b22-1165a35)

This chapter opens with a whole slew of perplexities, all relating to whom we should give our allegiance, trust, or respect.
Aristotle begins with the example of someone who's been ransomed from pirates (we kid you not).
Does the freed person have to pay ransom for the guy who ransomed him, if he should be kidnapped by pirates?
And what if the guy really does deserved to be kidnapped by pirates?
Or should the freed man pay his friend back? Wouldn't it be better to save that money to ransom his own father? (Because, apparently, pirates are on a rampage this year.)
Aristotle doesn't let anyone off the hook here. A debt is a debt, and it must be repaid, even if you err on the generous side.
There are some exceptions to this reciprocity. If you take a loan from an untrustworthy person, you aren't obligated to lend him money in the future.
So the original lender, if wicked, has no claim on favors in the future.
Aristotle gives this general rule: we shouldn't always give back the same things to everybody—even to our dads.
Instead, we should always give what is proper to each person, depending on merit and position in our lives.
Aristotle cites several everyday instances when we do this: invitations to family for weddings and funerals, the care of elderly parents. Each should receive what is properly theirs.
Distribution in the community should also be fair and proportionate.

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