Introduction At some point in life, many people question who they are, their purpose, and what happens at the end of life. These questions are a part of the ontological questions. Countless people struggle with answering these questions and look for guidance to help answer them. Since the beginning of time, philosophers have tried to answer these exact questions. Each one has their own perspective on how these questions are answered. Aristotle believes that there is some good to aim for in life, known as the chief good. He also believes that attaining or preserving this chief good is something greater. Based on this belief, Aristotle uses it to answer the ontological questions, which are discussed further in detail later in this paper. Background …show more content…
Aristotle believes that the destiny of humans is finding the chief good, happiness (Ross, 1998). In life, humans are constantly searching for that highest level of happiness because this happiness leads to a successful life according to Aristotle (Ross, 1998). Why are we here? Throughout life, many people question what their purpose in life is or why they are here. Aristotle believes that the main purpose in life is to attain the chief good. This chief good is known as happiness. Aristotle believes that happiness is not merely a feeling, but more so an activity that one should do to have a successful life (Ross, 1998). He also states that this activity should be in harmony with virtue. Aristotle also discusses that one may have the state of mind of happiness but does not act the right way to be happy and virtuous (Ross, 1998). What ultimately matters? The fifth ontological question discusses what the meaning of life is and what ultimately matters in the end. Aristotle answers this question by connecting it back to happiness. In Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle explains that happiness is not something someone should aim at, but that we naturally aim for happiness in life (Ross, 1998). Aristotle also discusses that being virtuous is also what ultimately matters in life. It is the telos, or goal that one should strive for. The combination of aiming for happiness and being virtuous is what Aristotle believes that …show more content…
Aristotle believes that the soul is not separable from the living body (Aristotle, Irwin, & Fine, 1996). This means that the soul does not leave the body when death occurs. Aristotle uses this theory to explain how happiness continues, even after death. In Nicomachean Ethics, he discusses that happiness is not measured from only certain moments, but the whole life, meaning happiness cannot be determined until death (Ross, 1998). Aristotle also believes that happiness continues in the afterlife, which is determined by a person’s offspring. He explains this by stating that if one’s offspring is not living virtuous, it will result in sadness of the deceased individual (Ross,