Aristotle | Nicomachean & Eudemian Ethics ANALYSIS| Telos & Happiness | Being a COMPLETE Person

Summary

This transcript explores Aristotle's philosophy of happiness as outlined in his works, 'Eudemian' and 'Nicomachean Ethics.' Aristotle emphasizes that happiness stems from becoming a complete person by developing virtues such as courage, temperance, and wisdom. These virtues help us live a more fulfilling life by overcoming fears, controlling emotions, and making wise choices. Aristotle's concept of happiness also includes external goods like relationships and fortune. While some factors are beyond our control, true happiness lies in developing character and making the best of life's circumstances.

Takeaways

• 📚 Aristotle wrote two major works, *Eudemian Ethics* and *Nicomachean Ethics*, which are essentially guides on how to live a happy and fulfilling life.
• 💡 For Aristotle, happiness is about becoming a complete person by developing virtues such as courage, temperance, wisdom, and self-discipline.
• 🚗 Virtues are like well-built tools that help us live better and function more efficiently, much like a well-built car operates better than a poorly constructed one.
• 🦁 Courage allows us to face our fears and live life to the fullest, while also being wise enough to avoid unnecessary risks.
• 🍯 The virtue of temperance, or moderation, is crucial for avoiding the misery caused by overindulgence, such as overeating or overdrinking, while still enjoying life's pleasures.
• 😡 Controlling emotions like anger is essential, as unrestrained anger can lead to destructive consequences, but the right amount of anger can also free us from injustice.
• 🌀 Unlike Stoics, Aristotle believes we should experience a wide range of emotions, using them appropriately in different situations for a more complete life.
• 😊 Aristotle sees pleasure as not only a good thing but something that completes and intensifies our activities, contributing to a fuller life.
• 👥 External factors such as relationships, friendships, family, and even physical appearance play a role in happiness, which sets Aristotle apart from Plato’s more internal-focused idea of happiness.
• 🎲 Happiness, according to Aristotle, is not entirely within our control as it also depends on chance and fortune, but a virtuous person can make the best of any circumstance.

Q & A

What is Aristotle’s concept of happiness?

Aristotle views happiness as becoming a complete person by developing virtues like courage, temperance, wisdom, and self-discipline. These virtues allow one to live life to the fullest and actualize human potential.

How does Aristotle compare a virtuous person to a well-built car?

Aristotle likens a virtuous person to a well-built car, which performs better and has more capabilities. Similarly, a virtuous person lives a better and more fulfilled life compared to someone lacking virtues.

What role does courage play in achieving happiness, according to Aristotle?

Courage helps individuals overcome fear and anxiety, allowing them to live fully and confront challenges. It brings peace in the face of fear and prevents taking reckless risks. True courage also involves wisdom to avoid unnecessary dangers.

Why is temperance important in Aristotle's philosophy?

Temperance is important because it helps avoid overindulgence, which can lead to physical and mental harm. A balanced approach to pleasures like food ensures that one enjoys life without causing harm to oneself.

What does Aristotle say about anger and how should it be managed?

Aristotle believes anger, when controlled, can be beneficial by protecting us from exploitation. However, uncontrolled anger can lead to destructive consequences, as illustrated by the myth of Achilles. The right amount of anger at the right time is key.

How does Aristotle’s view on emotions differ from the Stoics' philosophy?

Unlike the Stoics, who advocated for suppressing emotions like anger and fear, Aristotle believed that emotions serve a purpose. He encouraged experiencing emotions but in moderation and at the appropriate time.

What does Aristotle say about the role of pleasure in a happy life?

Aristotle argues that pleasure is essential in completing life’s activities. When people enjoy what they do, pleasure enhances those activities, invigorating life and allowing individuals to experience it more fully.

How does Aristotle’s concept of happiness differ from Plato’s?

While Plato believed happiness could be achieved through self-sufficiency and limiting desires, Aristotle emphasized the importance of external goods and relationships, suggesting that happiness is a combination of internal virtues and external factors.

Why does Aristotle emphasize the importance of relationships and external goods for happiness?

Aristotle believes that happiness is incomplete without good relationships, such as friendships and family, as well as external goods like beauty and fortune. These factors contribute to a fulfilling and happy life.

According to Aristotle, can a truly virtuous person ever be miserable?

No, Aristotle argues that a truly virtuous and wise person will never become miserable, even in misfortune. Such individuals make the best of circumstances, much like a skilled craftsman, and remain happy by relying on their virtues.