Category: Aristotle

I agree with Aristotles argument that living a virtuous life is essential to having true happiness which is our ultimate purpose.In other words, happiness is the primary purpose of human life which is accomplished or fulfilled through virtue. Similarly, he believes that in order to reach that happiness which is the highest good, we must…

Aristotle by Christopher Shields is a well written book about Aristotles philosophy and his thoughts on ethics and how it plays a part in human nature, politics and arts. The different parts discuss Aristotles life and works, his thoughts on human nature, his views on the soul, his philosophical methodology and his four-cause conception of…

Animals have always been a part of humanitys culture and throughout history their roles in society have evolved. In todays society, some people consider their animals to be family which differs greatly from prior norms that animals were beings placed on earth to be used as resources. Why have these norms changed throughout generations? Civilizations…

Prior to my commencement of the PHL unit, my understanding of happiness revolved around my religious perspective and personal experiences. I believed that in order to maximise my happiness, I needed to improve my relationship with god. My religious beliefs led me to the conclusion that happiness is not achieved by easy exercise, obedience, or…

It is fair to say Aristotles treatment of friendship (philia) has received relatively little attention, and yet there is little doubt that Aristotle provides in books VIII and IX what remains one of the richest and most enduringly useful accounts of friendship in Western philosophy. Its lasting value is evidenced by the fact that his…

Ancient political philosophy was mainly based on the premise that human potential is fulfilled in the Polis and on the citizen life itself. It encompassed ethics, justice, and politeia, (constitutions) thus implying how society is or how it should be organized (M. Lane, 2018). From that period many of the most relevant concepts and works…

Throughout the history of humankind, the ethical question of whether or not humans should pursue ultimate happiness without boundaries is often a source of philosophical discourse. Such a question has resulted in many interpretations and theories that have led to extreme violence, oppression, and affliction. Defining what ultimate happiness is and examining if it is…

Are you living, or merely just existing? Are you truly happy deep down or are you simply content with your existence? Are you flourishing in life or are you wallowing in monotony? One of the greatest influencers to western philosophy, and considered to be, perhaps the greatest philosophical, political, and ethical thinkers of all time…

Can life be meaningful without friends? In considering whether a life without friends would make sense, we must first consider what friendship is and what it means to people. Friendship in its most basic definition is known as the social and emotional bond established by people who show love and understanding to each other. Because…

There is no ultimate valuable outcome, nor should outcomes be in competition with one another to create the most value. Providing we strive to create good for everyone and treat others as rational autonomous individuals with an equal amount of respect for one another, friendship (entailing both the love for family and friends) is the…