The birth of ethics from the tragedy Defense of the ethical interpretation of Aristotle's katharsis

Defense of the ethical interpretation of Aristotle’s katharsis. One of the important genres in theatre and key topics in Aristotle’s Poietike is tragedy. In Aristotle’s point of view، the different varieties of poems are viewed as artifact matters which are the product of human mimesis. Amongst these، the tragic poem has its own superior position، not only regarding face & form، but also regarding its content. This is because it is able to create katharsis by provoking the feeling of pity & fear in its audience. Many different interpretations of katharsis have been developed، including a psychological، epistemological، ethical & medical interpretations; nevertheless، it is indisputable that ethical end has a higher status than the rest. This article aims at showing that the genre of tragedy can be viewed as an important factor in adoring the human soul with virtues by creating a moderation in it (the soul). This in turn is the grounds for bringing about prosperity and fortune، which are known as Aristotle’s ultimate end. Trough this interpretation، the firm (trustworthy) connection of art & ethics in Aristotle’s point of view become clear.