Eudaimonia

Aristotle first addresses the topic of friendship in the first chapter of Book VIII of Nicomachean Ethics by establishing its importance claiming that “it is most necessary for our life. For no one would choose to live without friends” (119). Having discussed virtues in the previous chapter, Aristotle links his definition of friendship to the latter topic claiming that friendship is the act of loving by bonding through mutual respect and virtue. Aristotle proves his argument on the nature and…

Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle argues that we aim at some end through our pursuits of action, and that those ends are in some way connected at achieving the highest good. Aristotle suggests the possibility of happiness, translated from the Greek word eudaimonia, which refers to a “state of having a good indwelling spirit or being in a contented state of being healthy, happy and prosperous.” For the one who…

Study Guide, Midterm Exam PH 480 A Fall 2016 Seven potential essay questions—choose any four (4) to complete: 1) What is the Ring of Gyges? Why does Glaucon bring it up in his conversation with Socrates about justice? What does he think we are led to believe by thinking about the story of the ring, and how does Socrates argue against this? The Ring of Gyges is a ring that allows you to become invisible anytime you wear it, and in turn, you are able to get away with any sort of injustice.…

whatever makes a thing an “outstanding specimen” of its kind, or significantly special. We use this descriptor to evaluate the attributes of things based on quality and their development. Additionally, Aristotle addressed the existence of happiness, or eudaimonia in people as a naturally existing emotion, and very often a motivation for people to do things. People are motivated by happiness, primarily because it gives meaning, fulfilment, and value to life. This transitions into the last focal…

different definitions of happiness. Some might say happiness is the state of being contented and satisfied whereas some defined happiness as positive emotions such as joy, pride, excitement and gratitude. In philosophy, a Greek concept known as eudaimonia, which commonly translated as happiness, refers to the great and prosperous life, rather than just an emotion.…

Happiness relies on upon us. More than any other individual, Aristotle reveres happiness as a focal reason for human life and a goal in itself. Thus he commits more space to the theme of happiness than any scholar before the advanced period. Living amid the same period as Mencius, however on the opposite side of the world, he reaches some comparative determinations. That is, happiness relies on upon the development of virtue; however his virtues are to some degree more individualistic than the…

Aristotle: Demystifying the Good Life Aristotle had a singularly practical approach to living a good life, one that rouses hope and reasonability rather than dread and piousness. He was able to view the purpose of human morality based on its contextual function within nature, rather than the sentimental fanaticism and self-importance that comes so naturally to humans. His practical analysis feels reasonable and respectful, rather than demanding and condescending. It’s a more effective and…

"happiness" in the Declaration of Independence. A few of these theories include the Founder's attempt to avoid direct resemblance to Locke's wording, the association of "property" with slavery, and the idea that happiness aligns with the feelings of "eudaimonia", which represented flourishing and virtue (Conklin). However, when excluding the exact reason for this change, there is clear and present evidence that this was a direct, intellectual idea of John Locke. If opposition writers were truly…

Virtues as described by Aristotle in book II falls between two extremes or Vices. One side represents the deficits where a cowardice decision is taking place the other side represents the excess of passion where recklessness is. There’s also a middle, the perfect midpoint between the two extremes otherwise known as the golden mean. The golden mean is when a person has access to the right action and achieves equilibrium. Aristotle divides the human brain into parts one part governs and reasons…

Mill’s theory talks about utilitarianism which talks about the action that people take should be in accord to promote overall human happiness. Happiness to Mill is pleasure and no amount of pain which is also considered the highest good. Which in turn defines good as the same thing as pleasures without pain. Utilitarian’s says we should consider everyone’s pleasure and not just our own. Although, there are different types of pleasure which he refers to as higher and lower pleasures. The higher…