Aristotle s Views On Fortune - 1154 Words

In this paper, I will discuss Aristotle’s and Boethius’ (Through Lady Philosophy) views on fortune, reflected in the Book 1 of the Nicomachean Ethics and Book 4 of The Consolation of Philosophy. Furthermore, I will present and analyze their arguments, present the conclusion, and make a claim about which ancient philosopher makes the best argument. I will talk about Lady Philosophy’s conclusion that all fortune is capable of benefiting a person, and Aristotle’s inference that even a good and virtuous individual can be affected and harmed by very unfortunate events, by examining their arguments. Moreover, I will conclude and argue that Philosophy’s argument successfully establishes the conclusion. Boethius (Through Lady Philosophy), argues that all fortune is good. In the Book 4, Prose 7 in the The Consolation of Philosophy, Lady Philosophy argues that all kinds of fortune have a purpose to them: Either to reward or test good men, or correct and puni sh the wicked. Furthermore, it must be good because it is visibly just, fair, and useful. She also goes on to say that an individual can make his or her fortune themselves. Her claim is that for any type of fortune which might seem to be hard either trials virtue or disciplines vice. In order to fully understand Philosophy’s argument, it would be helpful to go back to Book 4, Prose 6, where she talks about Providence and fate. She states that providence, which directs everything toward the good and virtue, is the divine reasonShow MoreRelatedWhat Makes A Tragedy?908 Words   |  4 Pagesforce (as destiny) and having a sorrowful or disastrous conclusion that elicits pity or fear.† Aristotle’s â€Å"Poetics† have long been the standard of a proper tragedy. Yet, could there be more to the perfect tragedy than what either the dictionary or Aristotle suggests? What are the actual characteristics that form a â€Å"true† tragedy? 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