Aristotle & Looping Logic

While reading Nichomachean Ethics, I was confused between Aristotle's definition of "goodness" and "virtue". They both seemed to involve "the end of the Political Life" (15). Class discussion helped me discern between the two, and what I find now is that "virtue" involves choices and actions (a means), while "goodness" is a state (the end).

Now if we speak in terms of ideals then the "Ideal Good" is the end result of an "Ideal Virtue" action. Unfortunately, as Aristotle concludes on "Ideal Goodness", "things appear good to different people" (141). There is no "Ideal Good", and "goodness" is a means too general and subjective to be pinned down.

Because there is no "Ideal Good", goodness can not be inherent in man. If it were inherent then it would be analogous among all. Nor can you you say that an "Ideal Good" is what is good to most. The goodness of the state is a "noble and divine achievement"but not an ideal one (7).

So if there is no "Ideal Good" or ideal end perceived equally amongst man than there are no ideal choices or ideal action. If the end goal is subjective then the means of getting there are definitely subjective. Aristotle says that "Virtue is concerned with emotions and actions" (117). Due to varying perceptions of "good", ideal emotions about the subject can never be established.

Virtue is made up of choices, involuntary or voluntary it doesn't matter (especially when Aristotle seems to argue for and debunk both). And choice can't be ideally good. So there is no "Ideal Virtue" either.

And without an ideal strive how can an ideal goal ever be reached? It can't. In other words, because there is no inherent "Ideal Good" in man, no "Ideal Virtue" can be learned to lead to an "Ideal Good" end. Humans may continue the struggle to reach that ideal goal (we always talk about our progression as a race, the progression towards perfection), but it will always be a struggle (think Brave New World). We may find ways to better the good of the state or the goodness of a higher majority percent, but, because of an un-ideal means, the strive for an "Ideal Good" will go on, as Aristotle often says, "ad infinitum".