Few issues are as contentious and endless as how to achieve a life full of happiness. Many arguments can be discussed about which viewpoint could be classified as the underlying best, but, out of the various aspects, the Epicurean and Aristotelian concepts, in my opinion, make the most outstanding deliberation for Frederick’s situation.
Are the ethics developed by Epicurus better suited for Frederick’s happy life, or do the moral principles surrounded by Aristotle promote a more enhanced account of happiness? The Epicureans would claim that although Frederick seemed to be free of fear that would hinder his ability to live prosperously, he still possessed too many desirable values which obstructed his happiness to evolve to a more significant …show more content…
Often, most individuals take the bold leap of faith to stating that materialistic items are only a benefit to life, and that they are not required whatsoever. But without Frederick’s determination to make a profit and support his family, would Claudia have been able to attend graduate school or have a beautiful home in a nice neighborhood? There is really no understood answer to that question since we cannot comprehend what a parallel universe would be defined as, but a well educated guess might be absolutely not.
Basically, this notion is summarized in the statement that “a virtuous life requires exertion” (Nicomachean Ethics, Ch. 6). Where would one be if they did not put any effort into what they are hoping to achieve with their life? You cannot expect happiness to just arise at any particular instant. Happiness is only deduced by continuously exercising intention to strive for that sole purpose. In this case, I believe Frederick worked excessively because it contributed to his family’s well-being which might have made him happy at the expense of ruining the relationships with his family
Are the ethics developed by Epicurus better suited for Frederick’s happy life, or do the moral principles surrounded by Aristotle promote a more enhanced account of happiness? The Epicureans would claim that although Frederick seemed to be free of fear that would hinder his ability to live prosperously, he still possessed too many desirable values which obstructed his happiness to evolve to a more significant …show more content…
Often, most individuals take the bold leap of faith to stating that materialistic items are only a benefit to life, and that they are not required whatsoever. But without Frederick’s determination to make a profit and support his family, would Claudia have been able to attend graduate school or have a beautiful home in a nice neighborhood? There is really no understood answer to that question since we cannot comprehend what a parallel universe would be defined as, but a well educated guess might be absolutely not.
Basically, this notion is summarized in the statement that “a virtuous life requires exertion” (Nicomachean Ethics, Ch. 6). Where would one be if they did not put any effort into what they are hoping to achieve with their life? You cannot expect happiness to just arise at any particular instant. Happiness is only deduced by continuously exercising intention to strive for that sole purpose. In this case, I believe Frederick worked excessively because it contributed to his family’s well-being which might have made him happy at the expense of ruining the relationships with his family