Across societies, individuals are called on to embrace virtue in their lives (Snow, 2010). They are urged to adopt moral goodness and become individuals of proper character. Essentially, virtue is understood to mean the performance of good deeds and the demonstration of moral character. Aristotle defined virtue as “that which all things aim” (Aristotle, n.d). This can be taken to mean that all individuals desire to conduct themselves virtuously. Confucius also shared his thoughts on the constitution and meaning of virtue. He wondered “is he not a man of complete virtue, who feels no discomposure though men may not take note of him?” (Confucius Section, n.d). Aristotle and Confucius offer insights on the meaning of virtue. Their insights overlap and diverge on a number of issues. This essay offers a comparison of the thoughts of the two on the question of virtue.
Similarities
The main similarity in the views of Aristotle and Confucius on the question of virtue lies in the role that honesty and genuineness plays. In his discussion, Confucius makes it clear that genuineness and doing right even when one receives no credit is the essence of virtue. He appears to suggest that it is impossible for an individual to attain virtue if they seek the approval or attention of others. Aristotle similarly hints at the need for honesty in virtuous living. He states that “in some, this is due to a sort of honesty and avoidance of what is disgraceful…” (Aristotle Book, n.d) This statement indicates that Aristotle believed that honesty and staying clear of disgrace are key components of virtue. He urges individuals to remain honest in their pursuit of virtue (Confucius, n.d). Honesty begins with oneself as one needs to pursue aims that are in line with their inner desires and passions. As Confucius mentioned, virtue is not for those who seek the approval or recognition of men. Those who desire virtue must be content and comfortable in their own skin. Genuineness and honestly allow them to achieve this.
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Apart from the role that honesty and genuineness plays in the construction of virtue, the other similarity that can be observed in the thoughts of Aristotle and Confucius on the issue of virtue is that one must look to those who are older and experienced. Confucius bases his arguments on the interactions between a master and his student. The master dispenses advice to the student urging him to “when at home, should be filial, and abroad, respectful to his elders…” (Confucius Section, n.d). This statement suggests that respect for authority is an integral component of virtue. Aristotle agrees with Confucius on the need for the young and the inexperienced to respect and seek the guidance of those who possess insight. He contends that “a young man is not a proper hearer of lectures on political science; for he is inexperienced in the actions that…” (Aristotle, n.d). Aristotle’s argument points to the fact that experience and knowledge constitute virtue. Therefore, those who are experienced and knowledgeable can be considered virtuous. Knowledge is obtained through experience and since they are inexperienced, younger individuals cannot possess knowledge and are therefore not virtuous. They should therefore turn to older and more experienced individuals for guidance.
Differences
The views of Aristotle and Confucius are more different than they are similar. The primary difference can be found in the issues that they equate virtue to. Aristotle argues that knowledge equals virtue (Aristotle, n.d). He points out that those who possess knowledge have achieved virtue. He adds that this knowledge is obtained through experience. Essentially, knowledge offers individuals some basis that they can use to judge issues and make decisions. Aristotle argues further that those who possess knowledge enjoy greater control over life. He posits the following questions: “Will not the knowledge of it, then, have a great influence on life? (Aristotle, n.d). While Aristotle focuses on knowledge as the key ingredient of virtue, Confucius places emphasis on faithfulness and sincerity. He advises individuals to examine their actions and to ensure that in all their dealings, they remain faithful and sincere (Confucius Section 1, 1). Confucius was evidently convinced that honesty and faithfulness were the key to a fulfilling and successful life.
The second difference between the two philosophers lies in how they defined the aims of virtue. They held differing opinions on the goals that individuals wished to achieve as they pursued virtue. Happiness is the primary objective that individuals desire to achieve in their pursuit of virtue according to Aristotle. He argued that “… superior refinement say that it is happiness, and identify living well with being happy.” (Aristotle, n.d) While people define happiness differently, it is clear that all individuals desire happiness. This is the argument that Aristotle makes in the statement provided. On the other hand, Confucius appears to suggest that peace and harmony are the main goals that the pursuers of virtue seek to achieve. He holds that “there have been none, who, not liking to offend against their superiors, have been …” (Confucius, n.d). It seems that Confucius sought to make it clear that virtue is intended to enable one to respect authority and live harmoniously with others.
Insights on Greek and Chinese society
The views of Aristotle and Confucius offer insights on ancient Chinese and Greek society. An argument can be made that respect for authority was an integral component of ancient Chinese society. This argument is based on the fact that Confucius emphasized the need for younger individuals to respect their seniors. He particularly urged them to be respectful when in foreign places (Confucius, n.d). It can also be said that in ancient Chinese society, honesty and faithfulness were highly valued. This is because Confucius called on individuals to be faithful and sincere in their dealings with others. The arguments that Aristotle makes about virtue can also be used to imagine how the ancient Greek society might have been like. It could be that this society did not hold education in high esteem. Aristotle noted that knowledge was the key to virtue (Aristotle, n.d). For him to point out that knowledge was needed for the attainment of virtue, it must have been that knowledge was lacking in ancient Greek society and the Greeks needed a lecture on education and knowledge. Additionally, it is also possible that the ancient Greek society was characterized by the pursuit of material wealth. Aristotle argued that virtue leads to happiness. However, he makes it clear that material possessions are not the ultimate aim of life (Aristotle, n.d). They merely facilitate the acquisition of true happiness. Therefore, it is very likely that ancient Greeks worked extremely hard to accumulate wealth in the hope that they would find happiness.
Application of ethics to modern setting
The thoughts of Aristotle and Confucius can be used in modern workplaces. Both of these thinkers identified respect for authority as an important element of virtue. This value can be adopted in the modern workplace. Employees can and should respect their employers if they wish to be productive and find satisfaction with their jobs. Aristotle equated knowledge to virtue. He held that knowledge is gained through experience. This insight can be adopted in the workplace today. Employees need to commit themselves to constant learning. They should endeavor to improve their skills and gain new insights. Apart from enabling them to be virtuous, this will also allow the employees to be more productive. Overall, the insights that Aristotle and Confucius shared present some real implications for the modern workplace.
In conclusion, virtue appears to be an elusive goal for many. Despite their best efforts, many individuals seem to be simply unable to live virtuously. These individuals can turn to Aristotle and Confucius for insight. Aristotle advises that individuals should embrace knowledge if they are to achieve virtue. On the other hand, Confucius calls on individuals to integrate honesty and faithfulness in their engagements with others. The modern workplace could benefit from the insights that Confucius and Aristotle offered. To enjoy these benefits, employees need to work with their employers to create workplaces that are ruled by virtue.
Works Cited
Aristotle (n.d.). Nicomachean Ethics. Retrieved 18 th November 2016 from http://classics.mit.edu/Confucius/analects.mb.txt
Confucius (n.d.). The Analects. Retrieved from http://classics.mit.edu/Aristotle/nicomachaen.mb.txt
Snow, N. E. (2010). Virtue as Social Intelligence: An Empirically Grounded Theory. London: Routledge.
