Intro to Aristotle's Ethics | Lecture 2: Aristotle's Politics and the Nature of Man

[@intrepidus3378]

Larry is such a great teacher. I think in philosophy there is something innate that the student knows but can't quite put words to. The good teacher guides the student to formulate their own thoughts and put order to them. In so doing, the thoughts become tools for effecting change in the students environment. Thank you Hillsdale College for making this wonderful content available to us.

[@bryanutility9609]

I still have a hard time grabbing any definitions from this. Good is ______.

[@DBD120]

What you're saying sounds a lot like Plato's forms and his theory of recollection.

[@victoriagreenroyd3120]

Dr. Arne, watching your lectures is GOOD and whenever I do I wish I were an undergraduate again. I am grateful for Hillsdale, the ability to take these courses online and enrich my life in the process. God bless you, sir. Amen. Sincerely, Victoria Greenroyd

[@johnburens3395]

I appreciate that you have made this available for us to contemplate. Thank you!

[@spearshaker7974]

How many of em plates did u count?

[@bryanutility9609]

@@spearshaker7974 I can bench 2 plates, how about you? 💪🏻

[@anthonynuts9167]

He is a racist 😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫

[@fsirjyy147]

I have listen to all of these lectures on there website multiple times and every time I hear or learn something new that I have to think about. Every time I think I have it mastered. I learn something new, even if its something small.

[@r.waynefournier4283]

Thank you, Dr. Arnn, for letting me be part of this circle of learning.

[@Euthanasit]

This lecture reminds me of a scholar’s admonition about the purpose of reading classical books: a good book must be something like “an enchiridion-a little dagger to arm him/her against the swarming night, a little dagger that might help him/her to cut his/her way among the enemies and perplexities of life.” Aristotle raises the question how can we identify the good citizen and the good man?

[@Xpistos510]

This here is a goldmine of education that's being shared. I love it.

[@jonalderson5571]

If every conservative in the country went to Hillsdale we would never get Trump

[@100mileview]

@@jonalderson5571 If everyone in the country went to Hillsdale, President Trump would not have needed to try to straighten out the mess we have collectively created by our abject failure to live up to our civic duty of eternal vigilance.

[@agent_k9508]

2:48 We are truly intellectuals 🤣🤣🤣 I love Hillsdale so much. You people make things that I have been starved of (because of my inability to understand what I'm reading) edible, and help me learn how to eat. Thank you. I cried today when I realized this is the beauty that I was looking for, for the last decade, after tasting it somewhere before. Thank you.

[@die_schlechtere_Milch]

I think that she didn't do it, because , you know, ... she is a woman.

[@DianaLynnStinson]

Working toward being a good person and practicing ethical behavior builds character and improves lives. I learn more everyday, and when I found this free class, I enrolled. They call it Lectures, however, so far it is wonderful conversations/discussions. Looking forward to this class! Excellent professor too.

[@AsadAli-jc5tg]

What's your take on it after three years?

[@robertj.5012]

I love the look on the students faces. Each of them are learning, which is a satisfying thing to do. No matter the age of the student.

[@kenswitzer4133]

I have been ignorant of things in my lifetime and my opinion of philosophers has not been good but this is very intriguing and had me thinking about my understanding of other things. I now see philosophers in a different light such as using common sense to come to their conclusions. Thank you hillsdsle for this valuable lesson.

[@benjaminvenegas3506]

Appreciate that clarification at the beginning. Much needed in these times.

[@russman9988]

I appreciate all the Hillsdale content. Still I can't help but think if Aristotle were with us today he'd never stop throwing up.

[@anthonynuts9167]

How can I not talk about who was here first he is RACIST 🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫

[@oldterry9356]

You might want to see “The Myth of Religious Neutrality” by Roy A Clouser, an uniquely Christian metaphysics.

[@bellabb5127]

Thank you Dr. Arnn! It is so inspiring listening to you talk about Aristotle’s teachings. I went to a parochial school from Kindergarten to College. But listening to you I realize I still have so much to learn & I’m already 70yo. But I do plan to take Hillsdale online courses, I do need to learn how to be good!🥰

[@noahdespain3273]

This is very valuable considering the post modern sentiment regarding the defining of certain things, e.g. gender.

[@davidlawrencepatrickgaffne8193]

This is fantastic. Currently studying at doctoral level and only wish I had you at my university. Thank you for sharing!

[@constitutionalist1528]

This is a national treasure, we should all be grateful

[@Euthanasit]

Socrates and Plato believed that the road to moral knowledge was steep and narrow. Plato argued that goodness is a branch of knowledge or a special skill accessible only to the gifted and philosophers. But Aristotle disagreed: “The good life is within the reach of ordinary men.” Aristotle prizes man’s intellectual and moral capacities, not just man as moral hero and an intellectual. The proper fulfillment of man’s physical and social nature is also indispensable. For Aristotle, the “man of prudence” is capable of moral choice and action.

[@queenie.lawyergirl.pittymom]

Amazing. I'm 1200 words into my 2000 word reflective summary of the Nicomachean Ethics. To compare and contrast his argument, i chose Epictetus, Kant and Neitzsche. I can't wait to dive into that. I'm in honors Philosophy for my undergrad to law school ❤❤❤❤❤ i absolutely love these courses on ancient Greek Philosophy. Also, the girl in this video is going to make an amazing lawyer one day.. she's got it!!!!! 🎉

[@jeffg7478]

Great work, Hillsdale. Thank you.

[@ChickennGritss]

This discussion is a great mental exercise, traveling to the depth of thought that reveals thee intention reproofs the beneficial or disadvantageous actions, the distinction between good and evil. Thank you everyone that was enlightening.

[@hayzelwashington6354]

I'm already amazed about what I'm listening to

[@texasamericanpatriot8535]

In this presentation, the view of Aristotle is the view of a man that thinks if he can truly appreciate and see the best of nature, and apply it to his life, he will be a better human to his fellows and therefore is a better steward of life. This is a falsehood. It is the nature of man to view his immediate surroundings and view them as a world where there are threats and non-threats to his innate being, and only then, began to appreciate the graciousness of life, be it human or animal. I believe in the writings of great philosophers that they teach many philosophical ways of thinking, and that those thoughts today are still relevant. However, those philosophic ideas are not readily or easily understood in the modern 'today'. But, thank you for your presentation. It was, well received.

[@ata-ayitehunlede5632]

Wonderful, marvellous, awesome and insightful lecture which ignites the fire of learning. Congrats Prof.

[@Euthanasit]

Aristotle says the supreme good is something final-self-sufficient. The good varies according to the activity or “craft.” The good makes life worth living because good and excellent reside in their functions.

[@jenezell1925]

Thank you! That is an incredible teaching.

[@Ivamp98]

This man needs to be protected at all costs

[@aprescienceofhumor7977]

My close friend is a police officer. I have said, "you can't legislate morality." He argued that's all the law can do, 'define' right and wrong within society; which is what I perceive Dr. Arn is doing here. My point remains, there is objective morality that the negotiated law can only aim for but does not define.

[@luizclaudio6724]

In 2013, Arnn was criticized for his remarks about ethnic minorities when he testified before the Michigan State Legislature. "violated the standards for diversity," adding, "because we didn't have enough dark ones, I guess, is what they meant." Arnn Arnn , still no diversity at all in your class room. Sad to see that this is only one of the few material about Aristotle.

[@smacky1966]

Watching these great videos produced by Hinsdale College and these students give me some hope for our country.

[@america998]

Not while trump is around!

[@cranklesnacks]

incredible series in every way, really enjoying, thank you!

[@shelleyharris2850]

Thank you for sharing. So wonderful to listen to. Blessings all.🙏✌🙌💪☺

[@lorinsandorjenis9799]

I watched Lecture 1 before this lecture and I noticed that the professor made the students stop and define every important word in Aristotle's sentences. So I am surprised that in this lecture no one stopped to consider, even for a moment, the fact that Aristotle calls man an animal. At the very least we could ask when, in the course of Greek thought, it became possible to call man an animal---for polytheist peoples, like the monotheistic Jewish people, generally believed in a unique divine creation of humanity. I myself am a Christian, and although I admit that I have certain characteristics in common with animals, I do not consider myself to be an animal.

[@alexh1524]

The practice of placing things in categories and using general pronouns to name these categories helped the Greeks, as it does modern scientists, to make the sense of the world. Categorizing helps one see what characteristics are held in common by a category with another category, and which characteristics distinguish them. Aristotle pointed out that what distinguishes the human category from the other animal categories is that humans have the ability to reason. Christians believe that humans and animals are living souls. Aristotle also believed in souls, but he believed that even inanimate objects such as a cup or chair had a soul. His version of a soul had more to do with the objects purpose, and the objects perfection (virtue) was measured by the degree to which the object served that purpose. One can easily define a cup's purpose and measure its perfection. The more important question is how can we define a human being's purpose and measure the human being's perfection.

[@LordPastaProductions]

The good is not in a thing inherently, but in an end to which a thing can be used to achieve. The cup is only bad with respect to this independent and higher end. Every person has slightly different higher ends, and this is proven by simple observation of the reasons for their actions. The objective good, as we see it in society today, is not built out of a strict hierarchy with each person striving for the same good, but out of the contradiction and subsequent sublation of subjective wills present in the society.

[@freethinker79]

Great stuff! The white horse in mythology is often symbolic of the Sun AKA The Good. Plato also used white horse symbolism in his Chariot Allegory.

[@levi5459]

Interesting

[@PJHamann1]

short of enrolling, how do we pursue this course?

[@die_schlechtere_Milch]

I really like the setting for this course.

[@Quis7919]

Thank you Mr. Arn.

[@rkba4923]

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (or words substantially to that effect) - John 1:1

[@kirkbowyer3249]

1 Saint John 5:7-8 And there are Three who give testimony in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost. And these three are one. And there are three that give testimony on earth: the spirit and the water and the blood. And these three are one.

[@dbuck1964]

Bible thumpers STFU

[@sudarshanbadoni6643]

The word politics PERHAPS is fundamental in one sense that it separates homosapien form wildlife due to politeness and even the word politica or police appears to be deriving from politeness is just my paradoxical thinking since long. Thanks for this series on ARISTOTLE craving since long.

[@crissiannj]

I feel soon good listening to your conversations.....this is so much goodness!!!

[@jeffsatterthwaite9874]

Fantastic teaching. Thank you so very much!

[@andrewbfrost7021]

It might be pretentious to disagree with Aristotle, but I think that he has the hierarchy of communities exactly backwards. I think that the family is the highest in that hierarchy. Just as with the bridle; you make the bridle for horsemanship. You pursue horsemanship for cavalry. You need cavalry for victory. Etc. Likewise you form cities so that you can have villages. You form villages so you can have families. You form families because they are a microcosm of the Divine and they are the greatest catalyst for putting on the divine nature/character thus leading to happiness. You don’t make families so that you can have cities, you make cities so that you can have families. Back to the bridle. Why do you want victory in war? You want it for the continuation of your city, which then travels on up the hierarchy to the family. Thus you want the bridle because it makes your family possible. He has got that backwards.

[@perperson199]

Agreed

[@keystothebox]

You are correct. Aristotle for all he got right made many errors. I was disappointed no one in the class made objections; much more so the professor did not even attempt to spark doubt in their minds on key items of obvious error.

[@mansamishra9323]

After 5 years but nice thinking sir , how are you now?

[@derek3200]

“Everywhere you look is the past, because the present is instant, and the future is unknown”

[@xinyujiao4464]

The dynamical system of human society

[@stellario82]

great video! Thanks for uploading it on youtube!

[@sonofode902]

Thank you for the lecture. My notes, Logos - ethic (the way to Logos) - moral & social interaction - politic 4:27 Happiness. What is good? "It is the direction of point of existence moving closer to the equilibrium/point of balance/God" Gin, 7:45 to understand thing/res/reality/truth, find out what it aims for, intention, will, direction. 10:25 slavery. The word becomes toxicated by those who wants to hide the truth. And it shows how it compromised the ability if people to see.learn the truth. I felt sorry for the American youngs. The word "slavery" has become something that triggers them. The Melayu word "budak" rapid translate "slave" in English, is the word used to call children. Parents called their children "budak"/"slave" simply to the fact that children are not yet able, full equip to set their own direction of process of becoming, responsible for their own life (yet). 11:32 the attitude. Thats what I meant, why I felt sorry for the American youngs. The word slavery has been toxicated that it shaped their attitude that made them more difficult to see the truth. 11:58 to look for the truth, is to look to the past, because the past is the truth, the first part if reality. 12:55 why male and female are first? Adam and Eve, the bassic relationship between humans. First relationship, the Us, then between God the creator and His creations, then relationship between creations - Adam & Eve, make and female. In context of social politic, relationship between male and female is the first relationship, basic. 14:08 whats a village? The order/hierarchy, male& female - family - family & other family (village) - village & other village (nation) 14:54 nature in Latin word "birth". 22:30 the ability to speak, speech is what makes humans uniquely political by nature. The ability to express intention, their will, their direction of "good". Good... things are defined by their purpose. Good glasses, being of glas. The good = the Being. The good is that at which all things aim. The things that makes us humans political is the ability to perceive and use the common noun from which all language comes. 29:23 the many various of direction, the ways and the Way. 32:00 the mark of a soul in accord with the Logos. Gin

[@dr.debbiewilliams]

Of couse, Slavery is not just at all in 2022. Thank you so much for inviting me to study you courses, with my son. I do agree in the principle of equality. Interesting. My sons did not eat the food on the floor.

[@JSomerled]

Outstanding…I just wish there was more..

[@StrangerByTheHour]

This is really great. Thank you for putting this out.

[@jreese8284]

"Looking at things as they are....truth, beauty, good...cultivate moral virtues"; apparently Aristotle thought he could know all these things without God. He didn't know that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom. It's sad to hear these folks try to come to understanding of truth and beauty, without keeping God in the discussion. Thanks to Dr. Aarn for reminding me of why I didn't choose to focus on the classics when educating my children, but on the Bible, the true source of knowledge about how to live.

[@hayzelwashington6354]

This is very good I would like to know where I get my hands on these books

[@garyviehe9365]

I admire only those who seek the wisdom of God every day. King Solomon

[@thadewraith6037]

Dear Dr Arnn. U r 1 of 2 lecturers/educators I can Enjoyably listen to ! Other bein Chuck Missler. Please tell me Y it is not to late for America ? Ethics, morals hv been Made devoid from existing society. We hv All become slaves w NO understanding of the positions we hv purposely been placed/forced /manipulated into. Determined not to ramble, so. Wer to from here? Now that our constitution is ignored, wer is the correction mechanism ? Appreciate any thoughts ! Thanks !!!

[@dannym6552]

Thank You, watching this makes me happy :)

[@leonbutler303]

WONDERFUL

[@mitchnidey2453]

The power of life and death are in the tongue and those that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. - Proverbs

[@karelvorster7414]

The city expands our sense of self.

[@pedropenalver4845]

I appreciate this video. This professor is really good and doesn't sound biased. I enjoy and learn a lot through the videos by this channel. Just a suggestion for them in the form of a question: "Why is this class so white, if you know what I mean?" I hope they reply. 😊

[@onion6foot]

Wish I could figure out the kinds of pens mentioned.

[@AnonMedic]

That is a huge point Aristotle makes about the slavery exception. We still today almost unanimously agree certain people with certain mental states (hurting themselves or hurting others) need some form of forced imprisonment. (Jail or institution). We're seeing the propaganda pushers claiming this is slavery that needs to be abolished. But anyone whos sane knows what happens when you let certain people in society.

[@miketamborski4248]

Love being a part of this great work.

[@victoriagreenroyd3120]

P.S. please forgive the misspelling of your surname Dr. Arnn...it is 1:20am and unfortunately I failed to catch that autocorrect had changed the spelling before I sent my previous comment; my apologies. Victoria Greenroyd

[@sgt.grinch3299]

If the family has these problems, why is our society moving to off grid units to be self sufficient? I have lived in the suburbs all my life and would love to be completely outside of the non constitutional society. In many locations our people have devolved into savages.

[@cameronmccolgan5012]

If people are curious about ethics as many people in the comments seem to be I would implore you to read more on the literature or enroll in a class or two at your local university. Check out Deontology, Utilitarianism, Care Ethics and try to expand your horizons.

[@livetheempoweredlife]

Wonderful

[@triberium_]

Man that was beautiful

[@patmark3059]

Pray an act of perfect contrition everyday

[@uviaazul6925]

thats how we can see good: things are defined by their purpose..... prefaced with a comment about being able to recognize the common noun (pen) despite separate objects appearing similar, but not the same. am I understanding clearly?

[@AzzekaTheRealOne]

Thank you

[@garyviehe9365]

There is no good or ill, only thinking makes it so. Shakespeare/ Hamlet

[@uviaazul6925]

Then he compares a glass to a mug and says they have the same purpose.... indicating a common noun is used for those two objects, because they are similar, their purpose is largely the same (water being different from hot tea...). That's why Julia indicated the purpose of speech is for reason so the end goal can be articulated ("reason about via speech some sort of good that we are aiming for either as community or an individual"). Same purpose is the reason for reason? Is that what he means?

The wonderful mind that we've been gifted with, to consider and discover. Cool.

[@russellgay5337]

"A man's character is like his house. If he tears boards off his house and burns them to keep himself warm and comfortable, his house soon becomes a ruin. If he tells lies to be able to do the things he shouldn't do but wants to, his character will soon become a ruin. A man with a ruined character is a shame on the face of the earth." Ralph Moody, Father and I Were Ranchers (Little Britches, #1)

[@alecmisra4964]

The order intrinsic to the universe in its various states we subjectjvely associate with the good and the beautiful since it is responsible for what we are. But it is not objectively so., for the ultimate order (and hence the perfectly good and beautiful) is the absence of anything - nothing . This is simply an inescapable conclusion.

[@kirkbowyer3249]

“For man when perfected, is the best of all animals, but, when separated from law & justice, he is the worst all; since armed injustice is the more dangerous, and he is equipped at birth with arms, meant to be used by intelligence and excellence, which he may use for the worst ends. That is why, if he has not excellence, he’s the most unholy and the most savage of all animals, and the most full of lust and gluttony. But justice is the best bond of men in states; for the administration of justice, which is the determination of what is just, is the principle of order in a political society.” Aristotle; Politics; Book I, Section 2.

[@kirkbowyer3249]

Amendment II A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

[@lynnmorrison]

Politics is Men ideas which brings the sake of setting LAWS for those who live in Community.

[@mitchnidey2453]

In fact, every purpose of each function has a distinct nature.

[@130bowman]

What was slavery in greece? Were all servants slaves? Do all people who submit to the exchange of their labor for the compensation of another considered a form of slavery in ancient greece? Could supervisor and employee be substituted for master and slave in the contemporary context?

[@keystothebox]

From my recollection when I studied it in college, most were debt slaves or conquered peoples. Slavery tended to be 3 to 7 years as opposed to lifelong, however most people only lived to about 35 to 40.

[@nathanngumi8467]

Word.

[@MarkAnthonyGiven]

POLITICS is the art of language. -Aristotle

[@marianbarchilon815]

Taught ethics in my classes.

[@phily76003]

"Dogs are still stupid" Humans are too cocky in my opinion. Great info other than the prior!!

[@danimrq1]

Mammals have a hierarchy, lions, elephants, whales do live in a hierarch. Are we that much different?

[@Ethanhughr]

Would have been nice to see a more diverse group of students. I'm sure Brooks Brothers and Vineyard Vines do quite well near the college.

[@ScottRossProductions]

More diverse... not sure if Hillsdale has a basketball team...

[@jonathansparacio7279]

i'm sorry but why can't your students ask questions?

[@dubbelkastrull]

8:43 bookmark

[@jimmieahhf9945]

Who's law is above man?

[@edabreu7871]

The family is primary, but not sufficient. We must be a community. The nation is our highest level of security and progress. Amazing that the USA fundamental principle is equality. Its a unique concept that does not exist in other nations. Will we preserve it, or give it up and become bee’s?

[@keystothebox]

Not true, the fundemental principal is NOT equality in the US, instead it is invidualism. The life liberty and the pursuit of happiness of the individual over the community. Equality is a means to provide the individual freedom and justice. By definition the US embraces freedom of opportunities and not freedom of outcome. There are other countries that do this as well such as modern day Poland.

[@johnlongenecker6560]

EQUALITY - DIVERSITY - MORE MIGRANTS - ALL TERRIBLE LIFE LIBERTY THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS That’s the ticket

[@johnlongenecker6560]

🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 America First 🇺🇸 Be Best 🇺🇸

[@alineharam]

Can you get me a pen on the desk. It is a miracle that language can share an idea, over time and space. You cannot tell a dog to meet me at the gas station at 2 pm. Habermas. Aristotle is just the best.

[@migjosh11]

Subjectivism and ethic without God. Look for the good within yourself...you don't have to be a moral person....be a professional in what you do. Good luck to everyone.

[@baibamennika4480]

If you talk about system and want to do that without bias, then start by saying " female and male" but not other way around, because in alfabet system f is before m

[@mitchnidey2453]

To disclose the truth of who God is and what he has declared to our generation is the ultimate good I choose to accomplish. I choose to do so freely, because that is his will and mine agreed. Jesus Christ is the Lord 🙏 One Lord, one faith, one baptism Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord. Jesus Christ, same yesterday, today, and forever.

[@fralo70]

If only I could have had an education like this, instead of one from the corrupted public school system. If only…

[@danimrq1]

Horses are extremely intelligent animals kind God like. Forgiven, unlike most humans.

[@thejdogcool]

This was the most pseudo-profound thing I've ever seen. "Ah-ha! We're different from animals because we can talk and think!" said, of course, in a deep tone to give it a sense of gravitas.

[@danimrq1]

When you speak up first languages? It’s not all mammals speak in their first language.?

[@D0cSkip]

no commercials....youtube curators probably wouldn't have it given the discussion that the good involves the family unit persisting of a man and a woman. God forbid the human race persist.

[@danimrq1]

God did tell Adam that man will be the ruler of all animals at this day and age is that true? Seems like animals are better than humans .