#aristotle (384-322 BC) believed that #ethics have a clear, definite purpose. He defined ethics as the science of achieving eudaimonia, which means “a happy, thriving, flourishing life.” He argued that human beings can only achieve #happiness by living a life of virtue. Unfortunately, in some cases, he wrongly identified virtue with the “golden mean,” a middle-of-the-road attitude between two evils. In general terms, Aristotle’s ethics promote the #virtues of #courage , #temperance , and justice. Aristotle taught that, only by cultivating those virtues, we can achieve #harmony and #joy in a sustained manner. Aristotle presented his views on ethics primarily in two of his works. They carry the titles “Nicomachean Ethics” and “Eudemian Ethics.” Aristotle’s ethical theory is often referred to as virtue ethics because it focuses on behaviour patterns. It all revolves around having good habits and not deviating from them, especially in periods of crisis. If you stick to your good habits, they’ll lead you to #success and happiness. In contrast, other ethical systems focus on prescriptions that are coupled to various rewards and punishments. Whether you earn rewards or punishments will depend on your adherence level to the rules. Christianity is a prime example of a consequential ethical system, but beware that I am using the term “consequential” to mean “ethical precepts associated with consequences.” In this context, I’m not employing the term “consequential” to mean “of high importance.” Thus, consequential ethical systems are driven by carrots and sticks. They promise you that you will go to heaven if you comply with their rules, and at the same time, they threaten you with eternal #damnation in hell if you disobey. Most consequential ethical systems take their precepts from divine revelation. God instructs human beings how to behave, and promises rewards to the obedient, and punishment to those that refuse to comply. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/aristotles-views-on-ethics-virtue-and-happiness/