Aristotle's Life Of Contemplation Essay
The argument is also sound. I have already proven its validity, now I must show that the conclusion is actually true. If Aristotle is going to claim that one cannot reach a state of happiness without being engaged in virtuous action, then it does logically follow that this type of unfailing virtue that Aristotle so vividly describes cannot possibly be reached without contemplative action. Some opposing views of Aristotle say that a life totally based off acts of contemplation is not realistic in our world. But Aristotle is careful to note, in response to this issue, that of course, living a life fully dedicated towards contemplation is too high of a life for humans (Bk. X, Ch. 7). Rather, contemplation is a divine, internal presence within a person. When situations arise that do not
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require contemplation, one should lead a life based off of virtuous, moral action as a secondary form.
In reference to the action of the gods, I think Aristotle may be making a bigger assertion here that is a frequently understated theme among his ethical notions.
If Aristotle is claiming that a life of contemplation is the best life, he is essentially claiming that a life of philosophy is the best kind of life. Not only is it the the happiest life, it is the kind of life that is dearest to the gods. I cannot help but think he is somewhat trying to depict that philosophers exist perhaps closest to the gods. A philosopher is the ultimate contemplator, and so based on Aristotle’s claims, it appears as though the life of a philosopher is, in fact, the final action for human happiness. If this is the case, it makes me question the underlying purpose of Aristotle’s ethical views on contemplation as the ultimate tool to human happiness. Is he merely trying to get us all to turn to philosophy? Could this be, in some way, his strategy of painting philosophy as a way of life, perhaps some type of conviction? I am sure there are many arguments that can point to the falsity of my claim, but I still think it’s important to flag Aristotle’s need to constantly tie in philosophy with the nature of
God.
In conclusion, I have depicted Aristotle’s conception of the way in which one achieves a state of happiness only through a life of contemplation. I have analyzed a supporting claim for the argument, that the gods act out of contemplation, and shown how this argument is both valid and sound. In further questioning his view, I also pointed out a possible underlying theme among Aristotle’s ethics, the constant comparison to God and philosophers. Aristotle thinks that the more contemplation one engages in, the closer they are to the gods. Thus, contemplative action, in accordance with virtue, is the way in which one can reach a state of happiness, which is the ultimate purpose of all human action.
require contemplation, one should lead a life based off of virtuous, moral action as a secondary form.
In reference to the action of the gods, I think Aristotle may be making a bigger assertion here that is a frequently understated theme among his ethical notions.
If Aristotle is claiming that a life of contemplation is the best life, he is essentially claiming that a life of philosophy is the best kind of life. Not only is it the the happiest life, it is the kind of life that is dearest to the gods. I cannot help but think he is somewhat trying to depict that philosophers exist perhaps closest to the gods. A philosopher is the ultimate contemplator, and so based on Aristotle’s claims, it appears as though the life of a philosopher is, in fact, the final action for human happiness. If this is the case, it makes me question the underlying purpose of Aristotle’s ethical views on contemplation as the ultimate tool to human happiness. Is he merely trying to get us all to turn to philosophy? Could this be, in some way, his strategy of painting philosophy as a way of life, perhaps some type of conviction? I am sure there are many arguments that can point to the falsity of my claim, but I still think it’s important to flag Aristotle’s need to constantly tie in philosophy with the nature of
God.
In conclusion, I have depicted Aristotle’s conception of the way in which one achieves a state of happiness only through a life of contemplation. I have analyzed a supporting claim for the argument, that the gods act out of contemplation, and shown how this argument is both valid and sound. In further questioning his view, I also pointed out a possible underlying theme among Aristotle’s ethics, the constant comparison to God and philosophers. Aristotle thinks that the more contemplation one engages in, the closer they are to the gods. Thus, contemplative action, in accordance with virtue, is the way in which one can reach a state of happiness, which is the ultimate purpose of all human action.