Aristotle's ethics consists of a form of virtue ethics, in which ethical action is that which correctly conforms to the virtue(s) in finding the right balance within each of them. Aristotle describes two types of virtues: moral/character virtues and intellectual virtues. Although similar to and inspired by the ethics of Plato and Socrates, Aristotle's ethical account differs in some areas. Aristotle, a student of Plato, is known for his contributions to many areas of philosophy, ethics being one of the most important. He produced the first methodical and collected ethical system produced by an ancient Greek philosopher, found in his book The Nicomachean Ethics. This, along with the less read Eudemian Ethics, are his ethical accounts that we have today. Aristotle begins his ethical account by saying that “every art and every inquiry, and likewise every action and every choice, is supposed to aim at some good. ; and it is for this reason that the good has rightly been declared to be that to which all things tend” (line 1094a1). Although some things may produce a higher good than others, Aristotle seeks the highest good, that we must "desire for its own sake" and that our actions are not decided based on some other goal. beyond this good itself (line 1094a20-25). [1] This highest good is then realized as happiness (line 1095a16-20). For Aristotle, ethics concerns the voluntary actions of humans. He argues that what separates animals from humans is reason, and that it is this reason that enables ethical action. Actions must be voluntary (as well as purposeful) because an action that is not voluntary is not caused by the person's reason. These voluntary actions can then be judged according to whether or not they correspond to virtue. For a p...... middle of paper ......f predetermined expectations and plans rather than a search for truth/morality. If this were potentially the case, then much of Aristotle's conception of ethics would be called into question. Due to the complexities of the philosophy of ethics, the question of whether Aristotle's virtue theory of ethics is compelling (to the point that it should be implemented) cannot be answered by a simple yes or no. Although it is simple, which is crucial for many people who do not wish to spend a lot of time considering the implications of their actions, it does not seem quite adequate in today's world (put Aristotle's social context). Works Cited Aristotle, WD Ross and Lesley Brown. Nicomachean Ethics. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2009. Print.Plato. Cooper, J.M. and Hutchinson, D.S. (1997). Complete works. Indianapolis, Indiana: Hackett Pub.