Maxx Andrei V.

De Leon Science, Technology and Society

OBTEC 1-20 Prof. Allen Espinosa

Reflection of Nicomachean Ethics: Book VI

The title of this book is "Nicomachean Ethics," and it examines the five states in
which the soul captures the truth according to Aristotle in book six. Scientific knowledge,
craft knowledge, prudence, wisdom, and understanding are the states in discussion.
Learnable concepts that do not change are at the heart of both comprehension and
scientific knowledge based on this book. Also, I had a good time reading this book since
I learned new things and my understanding narrowed. As a result, I remembered what
Aristotle said: "In order to be deemed morally accountable, we must have acted
voluntarily," which indicates that we must be in control of our actions and conscious of
what we're doing as individuals. That is why, in this reflection essay, I will share the
message and significance of the 13th section of Book 6.

First, Aristotle has spoken about "the true reason," which he defines in Book six
and demonstrates how to implement. He separates the reasoning spirit into two parts,
which he will refer to constantly as we read the book. The scientific backdoor deals with
claims that can be proved or established, such as mathematical and physics concepts
that "do not allow being contrary," while the "rationally calculating" side is the one that
Aristotle covers the most in the Nicomachean Ethics. This side helps individuals in
deliberating, making judgments, and negotiating moral issues.

Second, he claims that the reader can focus on decisions as well as personality
through the view of "main objective reasoning." Decent living and correct conduct
necessitate a careful consideration of various possibilities as well as a willingness to do
the right thing. Virtues of thinking assist individuals in recognizing the correct thing to
do, whereas virtues of personality assist them in carrying it out.

Third, Aristotle shows that discovery requires both ways. Craft knowledge or
professional skill, is another important component of fulfilling one's function by doing
one's work successfully. The three most important approaches Aristotle will address are
prudence, knowledge, and wisdom. Prudent people are aware of their surroundings.
They know how to respond in situations when there are no rules, and they can figure
out what to do in difficult or stressful situations. Politicians, heads of households, and
the great Greek general Pericles are all cited by Aristotle as examples of phronesis.
Prudence is a skill that requires time and practice to acquire. It is a virtue of the soul's
intellectual, calculating side. Wisdom, on the other hand, is a combination of academic
understanding and tact. Even if scientists have extraordinary, incredible and divine
knowledge, it is useless because, according to him, Prudence requires particulars, or
recognizing the appropriate course of action in a certain scenario, even if there is no
reason or clear set of instructions. In human situations, authority and connotation are
more important than scientific proof, and the correct answers aren't always evident.
Correct deliberation becomes crucial in this instance. Prudence, unlike understanding,
which also leads to a valid conclusion, is "prescriptive" in the sense that it tells someone
what to do. The logical inference reached in the correct manner must nevertheless point
to the correct action. Ingenuity is the ability to do all the right things well, whereas
thoughtfulness guarantees that the correct thing is also the good thing to do.

Finally, I've learned that we must ensure that we apply rational thinking when
making daily decisions. Examine if it is beneficial to all of us. Because if we don't make
good decisions and think critically, we could end ourselves in a negative situation where
we all suffer. I will always follow Aristotle's advice, which is that virtue "makes the End
right" by causing us to pick the right End; properly speaking, achieving the End
necessitates also Prudence in the selection of the proper means.