PL 201 Assignment 4 Aristotle’s concept of Eudaiomonia

Aristotle’s concept of Eudaiomonia

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Aristotle’s concept of Eudaiomonia

Aristotle is one of the great philosophers who are well known for the work they did to change lives on many. According to Aristotle, the word happiness means achieving that state of being good generally and also being generous to other people. Happiness contributes to a well-lived life which one should have studied ethics and principles of nature so that they can help us improve our lives. On the other hand, Eudaiomonia mean doing well and being content with the state we are which includes striving for our own excellence. According to Aristotle, human beings strive for self- development which is done through human reasoning (Johnson, 2016).

Aristotle argues that self –development must be accompanied by professional standards and self-competence. This contributes to happiness of a man which also includes use of powers and altitude towards well-lived life. In addition, what follows for human being is the eudemonia for the attainment of excellence. We need to appreciate the way og goods so that we can live a happy life like friendship, pleasure, virtue, honor and wealth which when these are fitted well can lead to happiness. Pleasure alone cannot lead to happiness as such but in inclusion with other virtues. Our action should be supported by our reasoning which must be acquired through proper upbringing (Johnson, 2016).

For human beings to apply the understanding of these virtues, we should have the ability to see and act the best way possible. We should also put into practice our general knowledge of well-being so that we can fit in any occasion not to alter with our feelings (Reisinger, 2013). All human beings need happiness in life and for them to live a happy life, you need to strive and work your best to satisfy your needs. Being the wealthiest person in the world cannot make anyone happy, but recognizing your potential for yourself fulfillment in life makes you happy. Aristotle said that no one can buy eudemonia because it all entails something one has to do to achieve it (Johnson, 2016).

Every action that man does on earth is aimed at good which is chosen for the highest good that is happiness. Good life for human being is a life of happiness whereby it cannot be achieved through intense pleasure. Intense pleasure can lead to pain and not happiness. For instance, there was a person who had a lot of money and used it extravagantly for pleasure but he was never happy because of the way he used the money (Reisinger, 2013). Different people live life differently, those who live their life unhappy and those who live happily. For example, someone can choose to read many books or make fun with friendly animals in order to be happy. This shows that happiness is what every man is out for a well lived life.

According to Reisinger (2013) happiness is an activity which is associated with our lives whereby we engage in different activities in our life for our satisfactory. Aristotle argues that if one is blessed he or she is happy whereby no one is able to look back on his or her misery life but the happiest life well lived. Happiness is the greatest achievement we can have in life because it lies at the deep part of every pursuit we do in our daily lives. Happiness involves pain that directs us to our pleasure and happiness which is derived from life we live. In life, no one wants to live unhappy life whereby it does not mean every individual lives a happy life. The way to happiness may include intense pain whereby many do not want to feel the pain ending up living unhappy life.

In conclusion, the true meaning of human being is striving for happiness which it is not permanent. For one to live a pleasant life, he or she should live happily because good life is all about happiness. Happiness is good as it allows human beings to live full life on earth which satisfies all the human desires. Happiness cannot be bought nor can it be found in pleasure but living good which should be self –sufficient. This should also include the activities which man can perform with self -competence for self -development.

References

Johnson, B. E. (2016). Ethics After Aristotle. By Brad Inwood. International Philosophical Quarterly, 56(1), 120-122.

Reisinger, N. W. (2013). The Interwoven Fabric Of Humanity: A Merleau-Pontian Ethics (thesis).

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