what are the aristotle’s eudaimonic person supposed to possess?
What are Aristotle’s eudaimonic person supposed to possess?
Answer:
Aristotle’s concept of eudaimonia is central to his ethical philosophy. Eudaimonia is often translated as “happiness” or “flourishing” and represents the highest human good. According to Aristotle, achieving eudaimonia is the ultimate goal of life, and it involves realizing one’s potential and living a life of virtue.
Key Traits of an Eudaimonic Person:
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Virtue (Arete):
- A eudaimonic person must possess virtues. Virtues are character traits or qualities that enable a person to live in accordance with reason. Examples include courage, temperance, justice, and wisdom.
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Practical Wisdom (Phronesis):
- Practical wisdom is the ability to deliberate about what is good and beneficial for oneself, considering the context of one’s circumstances. It involves making decisions that contribute to one’s own flourishing and the well-being of the community.
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Rational Activity (Logos):
- Eudaimonia involves leading a life governed by reason. Aristotle regards humans as rational beings, and living according to reason is essential for achieving true happiness.
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Moral and Intellectual Virtues:
- Moral virtues, like generosity and honesty, are developed through habituation and reflect the right amount of certain emotions and actions. Intellectual virtues, on the other hand, are acquired through education and contribute to the cultivation of practical wisdom.
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Self-Sufficiency (Autarkeia):
- A eudaimonic person is self-sufficient, meaning their life is complete and lacks nothing essential for eudaimonia. While relationships and interactions with others contribute to flourishing, one’s happiness is not solely dependent on external factors.
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Function (Ergon) Fulfillment:
- For Aristotle, everything has a function, and the good life for humans involves fulfilling their unique function, which is rational activity in accordance with virtue.
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Balanced Life:
- Eudaimonia involves achieving balance in life. It is not about pursuing excessive pleasure, wealth, or honor but about maintaining harmony between various aspects of life.
Final Answer:
An Aristotle’s eudaimonic person should possess virtue, practical wisdom, rational activity, moral and intellectual virtues, self-sufficiency, and achieve a balance in life. These elements together contribute to the state of eudaimonia, the highest form of human flourishing and well-being, according to Aristotle’s ethical philosophy.