Aritotles Voluntary and Involuntary Actions Essay

Aristotles Nicomachean Ethics generally focuses on living a virtuous life and having virtuous characteristics. In Book III Chapter II of Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle focuses on different types of actions. He divides actions into three categories: voluntary, involuntary and nonvoluntary. Aristotle makes this distinction mainly because his evaluation of someones actions depends primarily on whether their actions are voluntary, involuntary, or nonvoluntary. Aristotle describes voluntary actions as those actions driven by an individuals ambition, passions or desires. It is only voluntary feelings and actions for which praise and blame are given (Book.III Ch.I). Praise and blame presuppose that our actions are done voluntarily. The†¦show more content†¦The man did not voluntarily fall on the gardener, which make his actions involuntary. In this case, the man had no control over the outcome and was not fully aware of the circumstances surrounding his actions. Aristotle also expla ins that an act committed because of ignorance or force that is later regretted would be classified as involuntary. Aristotle makes a fine distinction between involuntary and nonvoluntary actions. According to Aristotle, ignorance of the particular facts of a given situation may be excused; however, ignorance of acceptable versus unacceptable behavior is evil and cannot be excused. Also if someone commits an act, then that actions classification is based on the persons response to the consequences of the action. For instance a woman swinging a bat, and unbeknownst to her, a little boy walks directly behind her and is then struck in the head. The woman, overcome with regret, acted involuntarily; however if the woman saw the consequences act without regret, her act would be classified as non voluntary. The situation is not voluntary, but how the woman responded was voluntary. Â…and the man who does not repent may, since he is different, be called a not voluntary agent; for, since he differs from the other, it is better that he should have a name of his own (Book III Ch. I). Aristotle examined voluntary, involuntary, and no voluntary actions, primarily to set the stage for