Aristotle s Views On Human Happiness - 1022 Words

2 -PURPOSE OF HAPPINESS For Aristotle, happiness was related to a natural function. He argued that if we as human fulfilled our natural function/purpose then we will be able to be happy and â€Å"want for nothing at all† (page 91). Aristotle believed that human happiness refers to the function most proper to the human should and essentially the function must be exclusive to human. He argues that this supposed function is a practical aspect of life that comes from the rational part within humans. The use of the term practical suggests that there is a predetermined conduct which comes as a result of having rational capabilities. This ultimate good of an individual should stem from this and therefore naturally flow from performing your function to a high standard. In order to attain true happiness, this must be repeated throughout one’s life. Aristotle’s view can be considered to be flawed as he says that only human beings can fully use reason or be described truly happy as happiness deriv es from reasoning. He argues that the distinction between human beings and animals is due to human capability to perform certain actions that only human beings can perform due to having reason. However, in the instance of a young child who is not yet able to reason, Aristotle’s statements are highly problematic. Can we really say that it is incapable for a child to experience true happiness? Admittedly they may not experience happiness in a similar way but, nevertheless one could argue that it isShow MoreRelatedThe Philosophy Of Aristotle s Views On Happiness And Human Flourishing With His Philosophy991 Words   |  4 Pagesback. For example, I put into my life my thoughts, my beliefs and my behaviors. What I get back from this is my reality that my thoughts, beliefs and behaviors have created. In my philosophy like Aristotle, I believe in Aristotle’s views on happiness and human flourishing with his philosophy. (Aristotle 4) I also believe in some of Kant’s ph ilosophy through his concept of its our duty to live up to our highest moral capacity. (Kant 3) I believe it will make the world a better place in the sense thatRead MoreEssay about Morals and Ethics1134 Words   |  5 Pages Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, and Nietzsche all had their own ideas for which one could reach happiness in his/her life. All have similarities in there reasoning except Nietzshe, who contradicts the others entirely. Plato states that to understand virtue is happiness. In turn virtue suffices for happiness and is necessary. Also he intuits that human reasoning prevails over spirited element or a person?s appetite. Aristotle?s arguments relate with Plato, but he builds more to it and finds his ownRead More Aristotles Concept of Happiness Essay1073 Words   |  5 PagesIn the work, Nicomachean Ethics, the philosopher Aristotle creates a guideline for those who are serious about pursuing happiness. Aristotles recommendations for finding happiness are not accepted today without some struggle and careful examination. In Aristotles time, slaves, women and children were not truly considered human; so in many cases the philosopher is directing his words towards free males only. It is necessary to understand that by overlooking this discrimination and applying it toRead MoreAristotle s Contributions Of Western Philosophy1124 Words   |  5 PagesOne of the greatest classical Greek philosophers still known is Aristotle. His contributions to Western philosophy are in the areas of nature, nature, logic, metaphysics, the soul, morality, and politics. 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Because of this ideology, Aristotle devoted much of his time discussing and explaining this philosophy (HughesRead MoreAncient Greek Philosophers Who Have Helped Shape The World1350 Words   |  6 Pagestwenty centuries ago, Greek philosopher Aristotle laid out the foundations of Western culture. The principles of Greek philosophy implemented its way into encompassing a persons point of view or their knowledge on society. Aristotle has helped improve and transmuted the world by his views on ethics and virtues he has instructed and justified thoroughly and the endowment of philosophy and science, w hereas he created a comprehensive system of subjects. Aristotle has laid out virtues, which is the importantRead MoreHappiness and Moral Value956 Words   |  4 PagesHappiness and Moral Virtue In Aristotles Nicomachaen Ethics, the principle concern is the nature of human well-being. According to Aristotle, everything we do in life, we do for the sake of some good, or at least something perceived to be good (1094a1-3). When inquiring as to whether there is some good desired for its own sake, Aristotle envisioned a problem that either there is an infinite series of goods desired for the sake of something higher, in which case ones desires can never be satisfiedRead MoreAre There Any Immoral Religions Or Any Moral Atheists?1204 Words   |  5 Pagesthe same breath, Aristotle and Aquinas believed that God took care of everything, and only living a virtuous life guaranteed to be like Him. On some issues, Aquinas supported Aristotle s thinking, while in others he differed intensely. To achieve this goal, an array of intellectual and ethical virtues enables an individual to seek proper means of reaching telos or final destination. Both scholars believed that all human beings aimed for a better ending termed eudemonia or happiness. Thomas AquinasRead MoreThe Human Function as It Pertains to Happiness Essay1166 Words   |  5 PagesThe Human Function as it Pertains to Happiness Humans have a function, according to Aristotle, and so it would follow that fulfilling that function makes us happy. Before we can establish that fulfilment of purpose results in happiness, we must first establish what the human function actually is, and also what constitutes good and happiness for humans. Aristotle’s arguments for happiness and human purpose help to provide answers to these questions, though as with all philosophical topics there areRead MoreAristotle And Aristotle s Theory Of Moral Virtue1229 Words   |  5 PagesNietzsche and Aristotle were two of the most significant philosopher of not only their time but their works has lasted throughout the centuries to influence even some today’s greatest minds. Their works however could not be any separated, Aristotle is a prominent figure in ancient Greek philosophy, making contributions to logic, metaphysics, mathematics, physics, biology, botany, ethics, politics, agriculture, medicine, dance and theatre. He was a student of great thinkers such as Plato and Socrates