Why Aristotle?

Also known as the "philosopher of common sense," Aristotle introduced the West to a way of looking at the world known as Realism. Realism is so-called because the realist seeks wisdom and understanding not by inventing complex systems of thought to explain the world on the basis of universal principles, but by arriving at fundamental truths through the exploration of the reality of particular situations. Although such a method of analysis requires a rigorous sifting of ALL of the details of EVERY situation, we find that such rigor is the difference between getting to the root of the problems that our clients face, and merely diagnosing a symptom. For this reason, both our executive coaching model and our company ethics are built on a solid realist foundation.

In regards to ethics, Aristotle recognized that defining right and wrong human action from the standpoint of an abstract, predetermined hypothesis could lead him to force an evaluation on a situation that didn't quite fit. So to combat this danger, he sought to understand the purpose of human action and the end of human nature. Only after coming to understand these aspects of the human experience could he then venture to define "right" and "wrong."

After a great deal of thought, Aristotle found that the purpose of human action and the end of human nature are intimately related. Yet, a more substantial difference exists between ones purpose and ones end than modern discourse acknowledges (click here to explore this topic further). Regardless of the immediate object of his or her action, Aristotle believed that the individual is always motivated by a deep-seated desire for happiness. This happiness, though, is not something that can be found through the pursuit of pleasure, money, or even honor as ends in themselves. Instead, happiness can only be found in the individual's fulfillment of his or her potential as a human being. Thus, the complete development of an individual's distinctly human talents and abilities must be aligned to the "end" of human nature.

This view of human nature has profound implications for ethics in the workplace. Not only does this understanding add an ethical dimension to our individual actions during the workday, but extends the end of businesses and organizations into a realm far beyond that of mere production and profit. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of work to a meaningful human life.

The School of Athens

One of world's great artists, the Renaissance painter Raphael (1483-1520), understood the importance of Aristotelian realism. His famous painting, the School of Athens, depicts a graying Plato pointing skywards to indicate that Truth and the Good are to be discovered only in the heavens above.

Aristotle, his loyal student, recognizes the significance of our human experience and is by Plato's side, calmly directing his attention back down to earth. Read more about the dangers of "pie in the sky" ethical theories that ignore the reality of human nature.