Moral philosophy has always been a persistent issue to human beings because of the ability to rationalize and reason. These philosophies do not simply originate over night; instead they are formed after making different comparisons and revisions. Aristotle’s only perfected his interpretation of moral philosophy after learning the basics from Plato, however Aristotle began to come to his own individual conclusions about life. Christianity also did not originate instantly. Christianity was branched of Judaism and was also manipulated to achieve a distinct moral philosophy. These philosophies of proper conduct originated by extending past versions and through human being’s ability to reason and expand their understanding. The Gospel According to Matthew from the New Testament and Aristotle’s Nichomachean Ethics both outline a seemingly similar proper conduct on the surface, but it is lucid that the final accomplishment is dissimilar.
The understanding of what is good in these two philosophies is distinct. Aristotle believes that good, “has rightly been declared to be that at which all things aim” (35). Aristotle believes that all actions are performed toward some good. To Aristotle there is no specific good because good is happines
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It states, “you will be liable to judgment” (182) for being angry with a sibling or calling them a “fool” (182). Aristotle refers to this as the Mean, the balance necessary to be able to achieve the true virtue, or happiness in life. Furthermore a virtuous act is not necessarily in accordance with virtue, if it is an accident or if the person who committed the act was not aware what he is doing or why, then it is not truly virtuous. The good achieved in Christianity must be valid and genuine since God cannot be tricked, or deceived. Christianity’s virtue comes from following the proper conduct of a Christian and God’s word, which is outlined in the Sermon on the Mound, especially the Beatitudes. Those who do not follow the commandments “will be called least in the kingdom of heaven” (182) and those who do follow the commandments and teach others to do the same “will be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (182). In both teachings there must be a balance between excess and deficiency. In Christianity the understanding of good is different because there is one specific good. These examples seem to threaten Christians, because if they commit any of them they will have failed to achieve salvation. Aristotle also believes that “moral virtue comes about as a result of habit” (49), that we are not born with moral virtue. Christianity does not seem to have the same understanding, since there is only one true virtue in Christianity. Living a good life, translates into living a life completely directed toward God. It goes on to speak about adultery, which is an obvious statement, but it is also stated “everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (182). Job who was considered “blameless and upright” (129) was severely punished as a test of his faith and true virtue.
Approximate Word count =
1673
Approximate Pages =
7 (250 words per page double spaced)
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