In his 'Nicomachean Ethics', Aristotle argues that happiness (eudaimonia) is the highest good. He concludes that the most virtuous and fulfilling life is one dedicated to contemplation (theoria), as it is the activity of the highest part of the human soul—the intellect—and is the most self-sufficient and divine-like pursuit available to humans.

Aristotle argues that virtue is not innate but is acquired through habituation. By repeatedly performing virtuous actions, individuals internalize these behaviors until they become a stable part of their character. This process of practice transforms potential moral capacity into an actualized state of excellence, demonstrating that moral development is a deliberate, lifelong activity.

In the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle explores the concept of 'enkrateia' or continence. The tension arises because the continent person experiences conflicting desires but chooses to follow reason, whereas the incontinent person fails to do so. Aristotle views the struggle between rational judgment and irrational appetites as the central ethical challenge, as virtue requires not just knowing the good, but consistently acting upon it despite internal impulses.

Aristotle was born in 384 BC in Stagira. He studied at Plato's Academy for twenty years. While he deeply respected his teacher, he famously diverged from Platonic idealism, developing his own empirical approach to politics and ethics, which led to his reputation as a critical successor to Plato's philosophical legacy.

Aristotle explores the concept of 'akrasia' or incontinence, which is the failure to act according to one's knowledge of the good. The tension in ethical decision-making lies in the struggle between reason and the passions. Continence (enkrateia) is the virtue of mastering one's desires through reason, representing the central struggle for the moral agent in Aristotelian ethics.

Historical records indicate that Aristotle had two children: a daughter named Pythias, born to his first wife Pythias, and a son named Nicomachus, born to his partner Herpyllis. This biographical detail is often noted in studies of his personal life, though it remains secondary to his extensive contributions to political philosophy and ethics.

Aristotle, in his Nicomachean Ethics, argued that justice is the 'complete virtue' because it is exercised in relation to others. He viewed justice as the cornerstone of the polis, essential for maintaining social harmony and ensuring that each individual receives their due share within the community.

Aristotle articulated this principle in his 'Politics' and 'Nicomachean Ethics'. He argued that justice is proportional; it requires that individuals be treated according to their merit or contribution. Therefore, those who are equal in relevant respects should receive equal treatment, while those who are unequal should be treated differently in proportion to their inequality.

Aristotle, the influential student of Plato and tutor to Alexander the Great, died in 322 B.C. in Chalcis, Euboea. His death occurred shortly after he fled Athens following the death of Alexander, which triggered anti-Macedonian sentiment in the city. His contributions to political science, ethics, and biology remain foundational to Western intellectual history.

Aristotle, in his Nicomachean Ethics, proposed the 'golden mean' as a virtue ethics theory. He argued that moral excellence is found by identifying the desirable middle ground between two extremes—one of excess and one of deficiency—thereby promoting balance and moderation in human character and action.