Aristotle expresses it directly with the first sentence of his first book of his Nicomachean Ethics: All we’re aiming for is the good life as the highest good. For him, the good life is the reason we live. For this, the pursuit of happiness, called Eudaimonia, is central to his theory. Throughout history, many people have grappled with the question of what makes a good and fortunate life, and even today this topic is very present and controversial.
In the following, I’m dealing with Aristotle concerning the best life, to prove that his principle of Eudaimonia is a convincing theory. It’s to be examined, that his conception of a good life is the objectively desirable one. After the central assumption I’ll outline the main features of Virtue Ethics before questioning the plausibility of the Aristotelian theory. I will do that by relating to two objections: how it should be judged that material goods are a precondition to Aristotle’s best life and how pleasurable the life of a virtuous is. Even though there are more objections, like different interpretations of Eudaimonia or different interpretations of the right measure according to virtue for example, I’d like to retain with the previous two, as they are the most interesting regarding the 21st century. At last I will give a summary to conclude the elaboration.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Aristotle’s best life for humans
3. Objection I
4. Objection II
5. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines Aristotle's concept of the "best life" and assesses the plausibility of his Eudaimonia-based ethical framework by confronting it with modern objections regarding external goods and the role of pleasure.
- Aristotelian Virtue Ethics and the concept of Eudaimonia
- The role of external goods and material preconditions for a virtuous life
- The relationship between virtue, pleasure, and the "lustful life"
- A comparative analysis of Aristotle's ethics with modern psychological perspectives like Maslow's hierarchy of needs
Excerpt from the book
Aristotle’s best life for humans
According to Aristotle, the goal of a happy life is action itself, aiming to reach Eudaimonia. For Aristotle, Eudaimonia represents the ultimate goal. Every activity is performed for a certain target, which is rated individually as good and makes the best life to an active approach. The goals are not random, instead hierarchically arranged, whereby the subordinate ones are to favour the fulfilment of the highest goal. For example, during construction, the goal is not the constructional work, it is to finish the house, which in turn provides necessary security to reach the best life. From this, it can be concluded, which self-sufficient character Eudaimonia resides. Furthermore, there is a reason that gives the ultimate goal additional meaning: Aristotle advocates that human endeavour without an ultimate goal would go on forever.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides the philosophical context of Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics and outlines the research objective of evaluating the plausibility of Eudaimonia.
Aristotle’s best life for humans: Explores the hierarchical nature of human goals and defines the virtuous life as the highest, self-sufficient form of activity.
Objection I: Critically analyzes the necessity of material and external goods as prerequisites for a successful life, utilizing economic theory and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs for comparison.
Objection II: Investigates the compatibility of virtue with pleasure, questioning if the theoretical life-form can truly be considered the most pleasurable.
Conclusion: Summarizes that Aristotle's framework remains robust and convincing, despite the raised objections, asserting the power of his view on the best way to live.
Keywords
Aristotle, Eudaimonia, Virtue Ethics, Nicomachean Ethics, Best Life, External Goods, Pleasure, Happiness, Moral-political virtues, Theoretical virtues, Human Activity, Philosophy, Maslow, Ethics, Plausibility
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this paper?
The paper focuses on Aristotle’s philosophical conception of the "best life" for human beings as outlined in his Nicomachean Ethics.
What are the central thematic fields?
The work explores Virtue Ethics, the definition of Eudaimonia, the role of material conditions, and the relationship between virtuous action and pleasure.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to determine whether Aristotle's theory of Eudaimonia is a plausible and convincing approach to living a good life in the 21st century.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The author uses analytical philosophical inquiry and a critical review of Aristotle’s arguments, supported by comparisons with external theories like Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The body explains the core pillars of Aristotelian ethics and then tests the theory's strength by addressing two major objections: the reliance on external goods and the role of pleasure/lust.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Core keywords include Eudaimonia, Virtue Ethics, Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, external goods, and pleasure.
How does the author defend Aristotle against the criticism of requiring material wealth?
The author argues that external goods serve as a necessary foundation for safety and security, drawing parallels to Maslow’s physiological and safety needs to show that these requirements are still relevant.
Is Aristotle's theoretical life-form considered contrary to a life of pleasure?
No, the author concludes that for Aristotle, the theoretical life is not contrary to pleasure; rather, pleasure is an inherent by-product of virtuous action and the realization of our highest human capacity.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Inken Bräger (Autor:in), 2020, What is, according to Aristotle, the best life for humans and is his conception of the best life plausible?, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/535378
