What is the purpose of life? - Philosophy Session 2
summary of philosophy Session 2
What is the purpose of life - aristotle’s ethics
Aristotle - who was he?
Aristotle was a Greek philosopher. His insights uncovered millennia ago are still relevant to us in the 21st century. The philosopher Robert J. Anderson wrote, “There is no ancient thinker who can speak more directly to the concerns and anxieties of contemporary life”.
Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life of all human existence
Before we can understand and accept Aristotle’s statement, we need to know what is human existence in the first place. What are the distinctive characteristics or features of human beings?
Life and nourishment, sense perception are all functions of human life but not uniquely characteristic of us. Aristotle held that what is really is distinctive about humans is our capacity to think and reason. He believed the purpose or aim of our thinking capacity, our rationality is to discover and do what is good. Where does happiness come into all of this? The ultimate good for humans Aristotle would say is happiness. The highest good, aim, or purpose of our actions is happiness - everyone wants to be happy.
What happiness is not
Aristotle rejects the idea that happiness is about material prosperity, money, and wealth. Happiness cannot be reduced to an emotional disposition, either, feeling happy. Happiness is not the same as pleasure or enjoyment.
Pleasure and enjoyment are the consequences of certain actions, feelings or sensations. Neither is happiness found in fame or power or solely in knowledge. According to Aristotle if we are to be truly happy and flourish as human beings choosing and doing the good can be the only aim of our lives, as it is what enables us to flourish as humans and to be happy.
Choosing well leads to happiness
Aristotle is more concerned about the person doing the action – What kind of person do I want to be? And do I want to be the kind of person my actions suggest? The best way to achieve happiness is to reflect and think about how to live well and to make choices and act accordingly. Happiness is an activity, practising virtue, this is crucial for a well-lived life.
A virtue is thought to be a good character trait, a life skill, a habit, disposition that has become part of who you are and the way you act. Virtues take time, trial, effort, and many failed attempts to acquire. Aristotle had 12 core values of virtues which give an all-rounded, full picture of a human being.
The Golden Mean
For Aristotle virtue, practising the good is about moderation, summarised in the phrase we all know “Everything is good in moderation”. Is anger good or bad, a virtue or a vice? Aristotle suggests that it depends on whether it is present in the correct amount. Virtue isn’t the opposite of vice; it’s the middle path between two associated vices.
So how do you know what is virtuous in a given set of circumstances? Aristotle invokes the famous Greek maxim inscribed on the Temple of Apollo, “Know thyself.” Paying close attention to your inner state, Aristotle suggests, helps you identify the mean, the middle path. Aristotle - gave a lot of importance to relationships to practice virtue.
Aristotle’s process of decision making
Aristotle believes that making good decisions is a key part of living a good life. He had a formula for making decisions which boils down to three “rules” -
Taking your time
Verifying information
Seeking out “experts”
to deepen further on the topic
Philosophy - the Good Life: Aristotle