10/3 Nicomachean Ethics I-II, 772-778

Themes: Parts of the soul, virtues of character and virtues of thought

1. According to Aristotle, what role does fortune play in happiness? What is its importance in comparison to virtue?

2. On Aristotle’s view, what are the three parts of the soul? How does this compare with Plato’s division of the soul?

3. What is the difference between virtues of character and virtues of thought? Which part of the soul corresponds to each of these types of virtue? What is the role of habit in virtues of character?