In Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle describes choice as characterized by two things: it's voluntary and preceded by deliberation. Without either of these things, we wouldn't be acting on choice, but by compulsion or impulse. Deliberation allows us to mull over our options before acting, allowing us to choose the best thing or course of action.
Choice implies that our reason is in good order, since it's the product of deliberation—but that's not always the case. We can still choose poorly even if we do so voluntarily, if our capacity to reason is out of order.
But whenever things are working as they should, being in the position to choose something is optimal: it means that we can consciously choose the good and aren't under compulsion to do something we will regret. (Phew.)
Because of this, when Aristotle says that something is "choiceworthy," it's a good thing. It means that it's a good option for us as virtuous beings. Since choices are deliberate, voluntary things, it is only through choice that we can be called just (or unjust), virtuous (or corrupt). If we don't deliberately choose, we can only be these things incidentally.
Questions About Choice
- What's choice, exactly? What conditions are necessary for choice to happen?
- Why is having choice such an optimal thing, according to Aristotle?
- Under what circumstances are we not able to choose?
- Why must a just action be accompanied by choice in order for a person to be called just?
Chew on This
The ability to choose is the mark of a happy human being.
The ability to deliberate may not depend on knowledge, but those who choose well are "knowers."