Part one of term paper
In book Four, Chapter Eight of the Ethics, Aristotle applies his philosophical ideals to the concept of humor and good company. He establishes categories and kinds of humor or wit, and sets limits for the behavior that a gentleman and a wise man will accept. At one point, however, he makes the admission that it’s hard to define when ridic ...

Part two of term paper
... the problem. Specifically, the question of why Aristotle says that propriety in ridicule “eludes definition” will be considered. The problem is that Aristotle defines ridicule in a later part of the same paragraph, in a way that seems not to admit any acceptable forms. When looking at good and bad company, Aristotle considers it entirely in terms of “entertaining conversation,” such as humor, wit, or ridicule. He argues that “adaptability” in the way we talk to people is desirable, si ...