The Ultimate Purpose of Life & Requirement for Lasting Happiness Flashcards
What is man’s search for ultimate happiness related to?
Our innermost longing for fulfillment and contentment.
What does “purpose” refer to in the context of actions?
Purpose is that for which an action is done; it encompasses the reason behind every action.
Do all human actions have a purpose?
Yes, all human actions have a purpose or objective, and there is no deliberate act without one.
What is the ultimate purpose of human life according to this unit?
The ultimate purpose of human life is happiness, which is common to all and leads to contentment.
How does Aristotle define “good”?
Good is that which all men desire.
What determines whether an action is morally good or evil?
Any action that leads a man toward his ultimate purpose (happiness) is morally good, while actions that separate him from it are morally evil.
What are the two spiritual faculties of man?
Intellect and free will.
How does man achieve perfection according to this unit?
Man is created imperfect but has the potential and facilities to become perfect through lifelong learning.
What drives man’s pursuit of knowledge and truth, attaining it without error?
Good.
What characteristics make something desirable according to this unit?
Desirable things are useful, pleasant (make you feel good), and befit our condition (promote a healthy life).
How does Aristotle define happiness?
Happiness is that for the sake of which everything else is desired and is not desired for the sake of anything else. It makes life desirable and lacks nothing.
Happiness must satisfy man’s _ and _ _ in order to satisfy man’s aspirations.
intellect, free will
What role does the Supreme God play in relation to perfect happiness?
The Supreme God correlates with perfect happiness, which must be desired for its own sake and fit man as man.
What are the requirements for lasting happiness?
Total, permanent, lasting, eternal, free from pain, misery, and unhappiness.
Man’s ultimate happiness lies in knowing the…
ultimate truth and supreme good.
