The purpose of this research is to examine the contributions of Marx and Engels on one hand and Aristotle on the other with regard to the nature of morality. The research will set forth the discourse context for the issue and then discuss how the two approaches to analyzing morality coincide and how they differ, with a view toward identifying and evaluating the significance and influence of these commentators on the discourse of morality.
At first glance it seems that Aristotle and Marx can have very little in common philosophically because Aristotle seems to have been directly involved in the higher social circles of Greece, while Marx existed on the fringe of European society. Yet from their writings it is obvious that in one important way they definitely have similar interests because they are both very interested in making political commentary. Marx's various texts point in the direction of making sure of effective and radical revolution, and Aristotle devotes one entire book to the subject of politics. However, the focus of each philosopher is different, and the difference in focus affects the way in which each makes use of references to morality.
Aristotle's focus is on the instruction of the future leaders of society--specifically, young men. He makes reference to the need that young men have for such instruction (Ethics 310), making the point that without a foundation in ethics, a young man is not equipped to understand politics. Similarly, he cautions that skilled understanding of rhetoric must precede responsible participation in civil society, especially when he observes that people who may be exposed to serious arguments may not all be able to understand them equally well (Rhetoric 27). Yet clear understanding of argumentation is important to the benefit of civil society and the public good. The sense of obligation thus brings in the concept of morality and ethics, which is linked in turn to politics. Aristotle's purp...