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Aristotle's understanding of happiness
Aristotle's notion of happiness
Aristotle's view on virtue
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More handpicked essays just for you.
Aristotle's understanding of happiness
Aristotle's notion of happiness
Aristotle's view on virtue
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
Recommended: Aristotle's understanding of happiness
Genuine happiness lies in action that leads to virtue according to Aristotle and this is seen
Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics begins by exploring ‘the good’. Book I argues that, unlike other goods, “happiness appears to be something complete and self-sufficient, and is, therefore, the end of actions” (10:1097b20-21). In other words, happiness is the ultimate good. But how does one achieve happiness? Aristotle formulates this in the context of work, since for all things, from artists to horses, “the good and the doing it well seem to be in the work” (10:1097b27-28).
In Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, Book ll, he explains that virtue is a habit of right action, formed by acting rightly (Nicomachean Ethics, p. 71). What he means by this is that everyone has the chance to act virtuously, but we must for work at doing what is right. Aristotle thought we should be virtuous because if we live virtuously than we will have a better life over
Aristotle does not have a true ideal of happiness. However, excellence in life is a state of being happy most of the time. Therefore if we strive to be excellent, happiness should follow. Aristotle also has ideals about balance. To not over do things and to keep ideals in check.
Thus, when human function is done well, it is in accordance with virtue and best human life is achieved. In addition, it can be inferred that since Aristotle’s definition of happiness is to be virtuous, performing rational activity well can lead to happiness. In addition, Aristotle states, “if there are more than one virtue, in accordance with the best and most complete” (1098a18). This means that eventually there will be one virtue that is inclusive of all virtue and that displays an end, and this virtue will be in line with the self-sufficient and inclusive concept of happiness as the chief good. If this inclusive virtue and good is achieved, ultimate happiness will be achieved as well.
In chapter seven, Aristotle seeks to clarify two key points in the chapter. The first key point is the reasons why we should agree with the generally agreed sentiment that ‘happiness is the best good’ and the second key point is what the best good is. Aristotle first says that the claim ‘happiness is the best good’ is correct, but then he goes on to try to account for what happiness would be for a human being. He questions what is good of each action or craft. If there is some end to everything achievable then it is the end.
“One who asks law to rule, therefore, is held to be asking god and intellect alone to rule, while one who asks man adds the beast” (114). In The Politics, Aristotle addresses the issue of how difficult it is to implement good laws. This predicament, however, did not suddenly arise yesterday; rather, humans have always grappled with enacting the best laws conducive to a successful human experience. At the same time though, there are limits, especially because humans are only finite creatures. Therefore, after outlining Aristotle’s critique of Plato’s Republic, I argue that Aristotle hopes for cities and laws to achieve peace and work for the good of its citizens.
Question 2- Aristotle Aristotle wrote Nicomachean Ethics in which he explains what his notion of virtue is and how it relates to good. Also, he demonstrates the relationship between virtue and character, how virtue develops character. Furthermore, he explains his belief of the good life for humans. According to Aristotle, virtue is a disposition to act or to behave in a particular manner.
Aristotle makes that clear when he uses the example of the archer: “Shall we not, like archers who have a mark to aim at, be more likely to hit upon what is right? If so, we must try, in outline at least, to determine what it is, and of which of the sciences or capacities it is the object” (NE, 1094a25). For this reason, Aristotle made the Nicomachean Ethics to not only be a book of theory, but a guide on how to live a good life for both the individual and the community (NE, 1094b7). To do so, Aristotle believed that to be happy was to be of good, moral character. One can only be a good, moral character if he acts in accordance with virtue and must work towards processing them all (NE, 1098a10).
Aristotle sketched his philosophy of Virtue Ethics in his book Nichomachean Ethics. Born in Thrace in 384 BC, Aristotle was sent to Athens at seventeen to complete his education at Plato’s Academy. He remained at the Academy for twenty years, where he established a slightly unfriendly rapport with his teacher. This was due to their conflicting views and dissimilar ways and means of cognitive reasoning.
1.)Aristotle explains that there are two types of virtues, virtue of thought and virtue of character. Both of these types of virtues are not innate; rather they are acquired and result from experience or habituation. A virtue, as defined in a dictionary is, behavior showing high moral standards. Virtues, then are somehow merely a concept that one must learn. This then is what distinguishes virtues from a virtuous person.
As of today, driving while intoxicated is an ethical issue in our society. Although this was not a problem during Aristotle’s time, a lot of theories can be used to refute this concern. In this essay I will talk about the standing issue and how it is unethical through Aristotle’s theories of virtue and his concept of voluntary and involuntary actions, as well as the natural law theory. Aristotle believes that we tend to either have excess or deficiency. He also believes that finding a middle ground is extremely important in being a good person.
In his more specific discourse on the nature of happiness, Aristotle comes to the conclusion that happiness lies in the contemplative life because “contemplation is the highest form of activity” (Aristotle 268). Aristotle views the activities of the mind to be the most sophisticated element of human life, and thus he believes the greatest good must come from the greatest aspect of life. In this view of happiness, Aristotle assumes that “happiness is an activity in accordance with virtue,” and that in order to live the contemplative life, one must also live a morally virtuous life (Aristotle 270). This connection between morality and contemplation coincides with Aristotle’s view of the superiority of contemplation over all other human activities.
It has become apparent throughout time that moral conflicts are constantly challenging engineers. Whether it is related to infamous incidents that led to the downfall of professionals or the daily obstacles that engineers face, moral excellence is of the utmost importance in any field. Intellectual and character virtues, as exemplified in the philosophical context, are essential to engineering ethics. Of these virtues, engineers should strive for honesty, courage and fairness. Achieving the aforementioned moral excellences will allow engineers to conduct good judgments and commitment to their professional life.
Virtue in his term is one that can meet the highest point of happiness; rich, fame, power, etc. In today’s society, it is kindness, intelligence, friendlessness, courage, etc. He would consider a celebrity to be at the highest peak of virtue and gain happiness, however, the happiness is normally attained even at that height. Someone who is poor and is sacrificing their food and money to help another poor family is someone to be considered as a true virtuous person. Aristotle didn’t think of how differently society would be then and now.