How does a vicious man derive pleasure according to Nicomachean Ethics?

In Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, a vicious person derives pleasure from acting badly. This perspective arises from Aristotle's understanding of virtue and vice as characteristics that are closely tied to one's actions and the pleasure derived from them. A vicious individual exhibits a lack of moral understanding and habitually chooses actions that are deemed unethical or wrong.

For such a person, engaging in immoral behavior can provide a sense of satisfaction or enjoyment because their desires and inclinations are aligned with actions that society generally disapproves of. This pleasure is often rooted in a distortion of moral values, where the individual takes delight in actions that betray ethical standards or lead to harm for others.

By contrast, those who act virtuously find joy in their moral actions, while those who simply seek to satisfy others or avoid responsibility do not capture the essence of the pleasure derived from vice. The focus here emphasizes the intrinsic connection between a person's moral character and their capacity for pleasure; a vicious person finds contentment in immorality rather than in the affirmation of ethical behavior.