Normative ethics, as developed by Aristotle, is a branch of philosophy that seeks to determine what actions are morally right or wrong. Aristotle's approach to normative ethics is known as virtue ethics, which focuses on the development of virtuous character traits in individuals.
According to Aristotle, the ultimate goal of human life is to achieve eudaimonia, often translated as "flourishing" or "well-being." He believed that eudaimonia is achieved through the cultivation of virtues, which are moral excellences or character traits that enable individuals to live a good life.
Aristotle identified several key virtues, including courage, temperance, generosity, and justice. He argued that these virtues lie between extremes, known as vices, and that individuals should strive to find the mean between excess and deficiency in their actions.
In normative ethics, Aristotle emphasized the importance of practical wisdom (phronesis) in making moral decisions. Practical wisdom involves the ability to discern the morally right course of action in specific situations, taking into account the particular circumstances and context.
Overall, Aristotle's normative ethics focuses on the development of virtuous character and the pursuit of eudaimonia as the ultimate goal of human life.