Formal arguments

Question 1

What was Aristotle’s formal argument for the teleological nature of existence?

Answer 1

P1: Everything we do is aimed at some good.
P2: Each good is also done for the sake of some higher good.
P3: This cannot go on forever (Or else the aim would be pointless)
C: Therefore, there must be some ultimate good, which everything we do is aimed towards.

Question 2

What is the first part of the function argument?

Answer 2

P1: Every type of person has a unique and distinct function within society, like the body has unique parts.
P2: Therefore, human beings must have a specific function.
P3: Our function must be distinctive from other animals or plants.
C: Therefore, our function is to live guided by reason.

Question 3

What is the second part of the function argument?

Answer 3

P4: X is good if it fulfils its function well.
P5: X fulfils its function well if it has the right qualities.
P6: Therefore, a good human is a person with good qualities, which enables them to live guided by reason.
P7: The good life of a human = the life of a good human.
C2: Therefore, eudaimonia is reached by someone with the right reason, which guides them to make rational decisions.

Question 4

What are the 6 steps to habituating a virtue?

Answer 4

Wish
Deliberation
Choice
Voluntary action
Habituation
Virtue