Happiness and Impossible Standards in Aristotles The...

Humans, throughout recorded history, have searched for a proper way of living which would lead them to ultimate happiness; the Nicomachean Ethics, a compilation of lecture notes on the subject written by Greek philosopher Aristotle, is one of the most celebrated philosophical works dedicated to this study of the way. As he describes it, happiness can only be achieved by acting in conformity with virtues, virtues being established by a particular culture’s ideal person operating at their top capacity. In our current society the duplicity of standards in relation to virtue makes it difficult for anyone to attain. To discover true happiness, man must first discover himself. Physiologically, happiness is activity of the mind, predominantly in†¦show more content†¦Each individual determines what kind of conduct is acceptable through societal conditioning achieved through personal experience. This very personalized path demonstrates that there is no true way to happiness that is the same for each individual. The only way in which one can discover their way to happiness by learning the virtues which are expected of them by society is putting them into practice. Aristotle puts great emphasis on the action and less on the knowledge of the action. Many people, particularly the young in Aristotle’s opinion, since they have less experience in their world will attempt to appeal to the multiple virtues that conflict with each other as they are presented to them. The mark of a wise man of experience is the ability to determine that which is good for him. Once one is able to discover the societal virtue corresponding to their particular nature and is able to pursue that which makes them active of mind and body in conformity with this relative virtue, they can be truly happy. The struggle of life is finding out exactly what makes you happy and how it is best to pursue that activity in your own culture. Aristotle’s definition of happiness is valid, but is only attainable in ancient Greek culture, as their virtues correspond to the culture’s values. In order to attain happiness in our own cultureShow MoreRelatedAristotle s Philosophy On Ethics1330 Words   |  6 PagesNicomachean ethics is the name of Aristotle’s work on ethics based on his lectures. It is said that Nicomachean ethics were named after either Aristotle’s father or son , as they were both named Nicomachus. Aristotle believed that happiness is what makes a person pure. To prove his point, Aristotle believed that there were four moral virtues that worked together; the virtue of great soul, the virtue of justice, the virtue of practical judgment and the virtue of being a truly good friend. TenRead MoreAristotles Philosophy on Purpose Essay884 Words   |  4 Pag esexceptionally impressive. His greatest known works are the Athenian Constitution and Nicomachean Ethics. Aristotle’s works of Ethics explore a vast area of topics. He states, â€Å"The goal of the Ethics is to determine how best to achieve happiness.† In order to achieve happiness, one must live a virtuous life, in the mind of Aristotle. Interest is sparked in this area that Aristotle writes of because there is a natural need for Ethics in human life. John K. Roth states, â€Å"Aristotle assumes that all things, humanRead MoreAristotle s Theory Of Aristotle1629 Words   |  7 Pagesteachings of his mentor, Plato, Aristotle’s philosophy finds its answers to major questions from the perspective of the teleological worldview. In the very first sentence of the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle introduces his teleological world view by asserting that every activity is aimed at a telos, or end, and how men move from potency to act. Aristotle then proceeds to outline his argument using the Teleological approach as he tries to answer the question: â€Å"what is happiness?† However, he answers itRead MoreThe Ethical Theories Of Aristotle s Theory Of A Life Well Spent On The Planet959 Words   |  4 PagesI am unwilling to commit to only one view presented by Anthony Kenny in his chapter on ethics. Aristotleâ⠂¬â„¢s theory on how we should live our lives is noble and worthy of being used as an example of what humans should attempt to become during the time allotted on the earth, but his theory seems to be unnecessarily complicated and tedious. Epicurus provides a theory that is more holistic but also is not without its defects, primarily that of treating the virtues as merely a means to an end. My wantRead MoreComparing Aristotle And David Hume1156 Words   |  5 Pagesto focus on, Aristotle and David Hume. Specifically, the focus is on their ethics: what those ethics are, how they differ from each other, and which is superior. Superiority will be determined by the philosophy’s usefulness—whether the epitome of a philosophy’s virtue is attainable by man; and how conducive the philosophy is to human happiness. In both of these respects, Aristotle is superior to Hume. To Aristotle, ethics is not an exact science, it’s ruled by broad generalizations that work mostRead MorePast and Present of Civil Relations1931 Words   |  8 PagesCivic Relations: Past and Present Introduction In his book, Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle presents five main components that encapsulate civic relationships: happiness, virtues, deliberation, justice and friendship. Aristotle introduces the concept of utilitarianism, which is key to the thoughts and ideas he portrays in Nicomachean Ethics because according to him, one must do whatever will bring the individual the greatest good. As human beings, we must focus on the good purpose-- on the end productRead MoreIntroduction to Ethics1269 Words   |  6 PagesEthics What are we like, and what should we do? As humans we are faced with many decisions in life, which in and of itself, distinguishes us from the animal kingdom. Im sure other animals make decisions, but as humans we take into account our values and morals. In choosing which path to take with some of lifes decisions, ethics, are often at the center; heavily influencing our choices between what is right and what is wrong. Which are usually defined by society, as to what is acceptableRead MorePlato Vs Aristotle : Determining Good1668 Words   |  7 Pages Plato vs. Aristotle: Determining Good In this paper, I will present both Plato and Aristotle’s arguments for what their personal views are on determining good. Plato believed that knowing good was equal to doing good. He said that if a person knows the right thing that will automatically lead him to do the right thing. Aristotle on the other hand believed that knowing good was not enough to be good. He believed that one had to practice good if one is to be good. Plato was idealistic. He believedRead MoreAristotle s View On Human Nature Essay2321 Words   |  10 Pagesconcept of virtue theory, this is described at some length in the text Nicomachean Ethics. It is this view on human nature that I intend to explain and discuss throughout this essay with reference to some more recent philosophers to show that Aristotle’s view was not only linked directly to Athenian society but has managed to stand the test of time. A point I will return to later in a yet to posted article ‘Can we Consider Modern Ethics to be Aristotelian or Nietzschean?’, this article is much better writtenRead MorePolitical Philosophy and Plato Essay9254 Words   |  38 Pagescontemporary Aristophanes. Many would claim that Platos dialogues are the most comprehensive accounts of Socrates to survive from antiquity. Through his portrayal in Platos dialogues, Socrates has become renowned for his contribution to the field of ethics, and it is this Platonic Socrates who also lends his name to the concepts of Socratic irony and the Socratic method, or elenchus. The latter remains a commonly used tool in a wide range of discussions, and is a type of pedagogy in which a series of