Aristotle s Ethics Of Happiness - 1515 Words

Aubrey Swaters 1. According to Aristotle’s Nichomachean Ethics, happiness is known as eudaimonia, and is an Intrinsic Good. For Aristotle, humans reach their supreme goal of eudaimonia through intellectual and moral virtues. When one can habitually and favorably find the mean between extreme actions in any situation, moral virtue is reached. Intellectual virtue is reached through phronesis, or when an individual uses his or her mind to choose a â€Å"right† decision. The cultivation of habit is necessary for Aristotle because when choosing the situational mean is deep-rooted inside of an individual, he or she will always be emotionally pleased with doing the right thing. This deep-rooted habit forms its foundation during childhood, via rules and constant guidance from adults. If one choses the mean when he or she would rather act otherwise, choosing the mean is not yet a habit, thus eudemonia has not been reached. Aristotle says that this behavior is essentially pretending; like an ac tor wearing a mask. It does not matter how long or hard an individual practices the mean of extremes, if one does not find pleasure in doing what is right, the supreme goal has not yet been met. 2. Aristotle’s doctrine of the mean instructs individuals to habitually choose the most neutral action in any given situation. Generosity is one example of choosing a mean between two extremes that Aristotle uses. In his book, he uses the example of giving and taking money. Aside from being a possible mean,Show MoreRelatedAristotle s Ethics Of Happiness1282 Words   |  6 Pagespaper, Aristotle’s ethics of happiness and how happiness and reason relate to one another from Nicomachean Ethics will be discussed. For one to understand Aristotle’s point of view, one must first understand the meaning of good and happiness. If an individual is asked to explain what is good, they may simply begin to list out items that are good. Aristotle explained that a person can easily compose a list of good things like, it is good to have friends or to be healthy. What Aristotle meant by what isRead 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, whereas he created a comprehensive system of subjects. Aristotle has laid out virtues, which is the importantRead MoreAristotles Impact on Current Society812 Words   |  4 PagesUniversity Aristotle was one of the most important western philosophers. He was a student of Plato and the teacher of Alexander the Great. 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