Problem: On the issue of Plato's identification of virtue and knowledge, Aristotle thinks that it is
- wrong
- right
- right with some correction
- wrong, with some exception
Reference:
Aristotle is in full accord with Plato in considering happiness (eudaimo-nia) the ultimate goal of moral conduct. He differs from him in at least two respects: his rejection of dualistic ethics and the identification of virtue with knowledge. Regarding the first, Aristotle maintained that goods of fortunes, such as health, wealth, power, honor, and influence are not impediments to the moral life; on the contrary, they have an important role in achieving human happiness. Aristotle believed that poverty, illness, and misfortunes of life make it impossible in fact to achieve happiness. They can even prevent most people from the practice of virtuous actions. However, he admits also that a truly wise and moral person is undeterred by misfortunes. Regarding Plato's identification of virtue with knowledge, he counters by stating that it is perfectly possible to know the good and yet choose the bad. It is not knowledge in and by itself that makes us do the right thing, but our will.