Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, Book I Flashcards
Why are you answering this question right now? How would Aristotle use your answer to show that there must be some highest good? [Or, more generally: how does Aristotle describe the structure of human action? Why does he think that this structure implies that there must be a highest good?
Aristotle describes the structure of human action through his understanding of human telos, which is the purpose or end towards which human beings naturally aim. He argues that every human action is directed toward some end, and these actions are organized hierarchically with an end in mind. Aristotle would use the answer to the question to illustrate that human actions are purposeful and goal-oriented, and they ultimately seek the highest good, which is the ultimate purpose or telos of human life.
Aristotle claims the highest good is happiness. What does he mean by ‘happiness’ (eudaimonia, flourishing)? In what ways does he use that word like our word happiness, and in what ways is he using it differently?
Aristotle defines happiness, or eudaimonia, as the highest good and the ultimate end of human life. However, his understanding of eudaimonia differs from our modern concept of happiness in several ways:
Eudaimonia as Flourishing: Aristotle sees eudaimonia as a state of flourishing or well-being that encompasses the full development of one’s potential and the exercise of virtue. It involves living a life of excellence and achieving one’s highest potential as a human being.
Not a Transient Feeling: Unlike our contemporary understanding of happiness as a fleeting emotional state, Aristotle’s eudaimonia is a more enduring and stable state of well-being that results from a life of virtuous activity and fulfilling one’s purpose.
Eudaimonia as a Life, Not a Moment: Aristotle’s eudaimonia is not a momentary feeling but a lifelong pursuit and achievement. It is a comprehensive evaluation of one’s entire life, considering whether it was lived in accordance with one’s telos and virtuous principles.
Aristotle rejects, as candidates for eudaimonia, the lives of pleasure, honour, virtue, and money-making. Why does he reject each one?
Aristotle rejects several common candidates for eudaimonia:
Life of Pleasure: Pleasure is rejected because it is a transient and often base form of satisfaction that does not lead to human excellence. There is also the possibility of overstimulation in pleasure, and having too much of one substance is seldom beneficial.
Life of Honor: Honor is rejected because it depends on the opinions of others and is external to the individual. They wished to be honored by those who know their discourse well (ex. A Philosophy professor would wish to receive praise from another expert in Philosophy, not some homeless man, as Jason alluded to).
Life of Virtue: Virtue is not rejected per se but is considered an essential component of eudaimonia. However, virtue alone is not sufficient for eudaimonia because it must also involve practical wisdom (phronesis), and THE EXERCISE OF YOUR TALENTS.
Life of Money-Making: The pursuit of wealth (money-making) is rejected because it is a means to an end and not an end in itself. It is instrumental to achieving a good life but is not the ultimate goal.
Aristotle says that eudaimonia must be self-sufficient and complete. What does he mean by these?
Aristotle argues that eudaimonia must be self-sufficient and complete. By self-sufficient, he means that eudaimonia is valuable in itself and does not depend on external factors or goods. By complete, he means that eudaimonia encompasses all the necessary components for a flourishing life and leaves nothing lacking.
What does Aristotle think human function is? Why?
Aristotle believes that the human function, or the distinctive activity that defines humans, is rational activity conducted in accordance with virtue. He argues that humans are rational animals, and our unique function is to engage in reason-guided activities that lead to excellence and the fulfillment of our potential.
Therefore, he argued that the ultimate purpose or goal of human life is to engage in rational activity and live a virtuous life, leading to the achievement of eudaimonia.
Explain Aristotle’s function argument. What are the steps? Why is each step plausible, according to Aristotle? What does Aristotle conclude about the nature of eudaimonia/happiness? What is eudaimonia/happiness, for a human being?
Aristotle’s function argument aims to identify the nature of eudaimonia:
Step 1: Identify the human function—Aristotle argues that the human function is rational activity conducted in accordance with virtue.
Step 2: Determine the best function—He contends that the best function for a being is the one that is unique to that being and allows it to fulfill its potential.
Step 3: Conclude the nature of eudaimonia—Since the best function for humans is rational activity conducted in accordance with virtue, eudaimonia for humans consists of a life characterized by such rational and virtuous activities.
Aristotle concludes that eudaimonia for a human being is a life of rational and virtuous activity, guided by practical wisdom and lived in accordance with one’s unique human nature. It is the highest good and the ultimate purpose of human life.
