(FINALS) Chapter 7: The Good Life Flashcards
(20 cards)
What are two reflections that could be made centering on the question, “Are we living the good life?”
- What standard could be used to define “the good life?”
- How can the standard serve as a guide toward living the good life AMID scientific progress and technological advancement?
- Probably the most important ancient Greek philosopher and scientist
- Student of Plato
Aristotle
Aristotle’s lifespan duration:
He lived from 384 to 322 BC
The “Big Three of Greek Philosophy”
- Socrates
- Plato
- Aristotle
- The fundamental basis for Aristotelian ethics
- a TREATISE on the NATURE OF MORAL LIFE and HUMAN HAPPINESS based on the unique essence of human nature
- Particularly useful in defining what “the good life” is
Nicomachean Ethics / Ethica Nicomachea
How many books does the Nicomachean Ethics consist of?
10 books
The NE originally were lecture notes written on scrolls when Aristotle taught at the Lyceum. Who compiled them?
Nichomacus, one of Aristotle’s sons
In the NE, Aristotle explained that every action _____
Aims at some good
Type of good as MEANS TO ACHIEVING SOMETHING ELSE OR SOME OTHER END
Instrumental Good
The “better good” (according to Aristotle) since it is GOOD IN ITSELF
Intrinsic Good
3 POTENTIAL OPTIONS FOR WHAT MIGHT QUALIFY AS THE ULTIMATE GOOD, but aren’t:
- Pleasure
People seek pleasure in things they find comfort in, like food and pleasant experiences. However, pleasure alone falls short - it is fleeting and passes with time; does not cover satisfying all parts of life.
- Wealth
People express their desire for wealth as a means to achieve other goals, leading them to think it can fulfill everything they want and need. However, it can be seen more as an intermediate good, serving as a means to an end; falls short because it is not self-sufficient — it does not prevent one from pursuing other potentially “greater” goods
- Fame & Honor
People often shape their actions based on how they believe they will be admired and valued by others. Therefore they cannot be considered the ultimate good because they rely on the perception of others — they can never be inherently good in themselves; becomes elusive as it is contingent upon subjective opinions of others
What then is the ultimate good?
“Living well & doing well” aka Eudaimonia
- A good life is one that encompasses flourishing and overall well-being
- It is the fulfillment of one’s potential and the realization of one’s true nature
Eudaimonia is derived from the Greek words:
Eu, meaning good
Daimon, meaning spiirit
2 HALLMARKS of eudaimonia:
Virtue & Excellence
How is eudaimonia achieved?
Achieved through the CULTIVATION AND EXERCISE OF VIRTUES (particularly intellectual and moral virtues)
Why is Eudaimonia considered a unique human function?
It is achieved ONLY through a RATIONALLY DIRECTED LIFE, which only humans can do
It is the lowest degree in ARISTOTLE’S NOTION OF A TRIPARTITE SOUL:
Plants - NUTRITIVE DEGREE
- GROWTH NUTRITION - All living things require nourishment and have the ability to reproduce
- Non-rational
It is the middle degree in ARISTOTLE’S NOTION OF A TRIPARTITE SOUL:
Animals - SENSITIVE DEGREE
- LOCOMOTION - Only humans and animals have the ability to move and perceive
- Partially rational
It is the highest degree in ARISTOTLE’S NOTION OF A TRIPARTITE SOUL:
Humans - RATIONAL DEGREE
- THEORETICAL - only humans are capable of theoretical and practical functions
- Only humans are capable of a life guided by reason
4 ways eudaimonia can be achieved:
- living in accordance with reason
- pursuing excellence
- engaging in meaningful relationships
- contributing to the greater good of society
