Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics Lesson Plan

Why does Aristotle insist upon “means that can be achieved”? What does he mean by this? What is the danger of paying attention to unachievable means?

Although students may be confused by some of his language, it’s important that they remember that Aristotle is a very practical thinker. Unlike Plato, he’s not interested in ideals or hypotheticals, only what exists. When discussing the difference between achievable and unachievable means, students will get a better sense of Aristotle’s emphasis on the practical. For Aristotle, the danger of paying attention to unachievable means comes from the way it takes our minds off of what exists, making one into a “sophist” — a...