Aristotle distinguishes between politics and ethics primarily based on their scope and purpose. Here’s an overview of the differences:
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Scope:
- Ethics (or "ethical philosophy") is concerned with the individual and the moral virtues that enable a person to live a good life. It focuses on questions of individual character, virtue, and moral responsibilities.
- Politics (or "political philosophy"), on the other hand, pertains to the organization of communities and the structure of governance. It addresses how societies are ordered, what constitutes a just society, and the nature of political authority.
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Purpose:
- The purpose of ethics is to define what constitutes a good life for individuals, focusing on personal virtue and the attainment of happiness (eudaimonia) through virtuous living.
- The purpose of politics is to create a framework that allows for the common good, addressing issues such as justice, law, and the role of the government in facilitating a virtuous and flourishing society.
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Relationship:
- Aristotle sees ethics as the foundation for politics. A good society is made up of good individuals, and therefore, ethical behavior is essential for political life. He argues that the cultivation of virtue in individuals contributes to the health of the community.
- While ethics deals with personal conduct and virtue, politics encompasses the larger questions about how to implement these virtues on a societal level and how to organize communities effectively.
In summary, for Aristotle, ethics focuses on individual virtue and moral character, while politics is concerned with the structure and governance of the community, aiming for the collective good.