How Does Aristotle Identify The Human Good
Aristotle says that to identify the human good, we must recognize the function of a human being. Function or ergon in ancient Greek is a synonym for a purpose or reason. The good for human beings is best obtained by determining their function. It is by surveying human beings and identifying their function that we can best determine how people ought to behave. Rational activity is our function as human beings; therefore, rational activity performed well is our good according to Aristotle
In pursuing a rational life, we need virtues or arête too support our function. A virtue is a quality that better enables you to perform your function. According to Aristotle rationality is a potential which is actualized by the acquisition of virtues.
There
are good and bad ways of pursuing happiness. The optimal way of pursuing happiness is through rational activity. There are two genres of virtue, moral and intellectual. Moral virtues are exemplified in traits like courage, temperance, and liberality. Wisdom, which governs ethical behavior, and understanding, which is expressed in contemplation make up the intellectual virtues.
In pursuing a rational life, we need virtues or arête too support our function. A virtue is a quality that better enables you to perform your function. According to Aristotle rationality is a potential which is actualized by the acquisition of virtues.
There
are good and bad ways of pursuing happiness. The optimal way of pursuing happiness is through rational activity. There are two genres of virtue, moral and intellectual. Moral virtues are exemplified in traits like courage, temperance, and liberality. Wisdom, which governs ethical behavior, and understanding, which is expressed in contemplation make up the intellectual virtues.