Final answer:
Aristotle's ethical framework did not provide a direct philosophical argument against slavery; instead, it emphasized the empirical study of human relations and virtue development without directly challenging the practice of slavery as it existed then.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion that Aristotle's ethics provided a philosophical argument against slavery is false. Aristotle's views on ethics focused more on practical reality and the importance of studying human relationships, justice, and government as they are experienced. He believed that reason should serve as a guide to ordering our lives and emphasized the development of virtue through participation in society.
However, Aristotelian ethics did not directly advocate against the institution of slavery and Aristotle himself held views that justified certain forms of slavery within the society of his time. He believed that slavery was a natural and necessary institution for society to function properly. Aristotle's Ethics focused on the relationships, justice, and government of the human world, but it did not challenge the existence of slavery.