In this class we begin our unit on Aristotle, one of the most wide-ranging thinkers of all time and by some measures the most influential philosopher in the Western tradition. After noting the historical background against which Aristotle developed his views, we will explore how his disagreement with Plato on issues of metaphysics influences his conception of happiness (eudaimonia) as the final end for human beings. Key to this notion of our final end is the idea that human beings have a specific “function” or “work” (ergon). We will examine how Aristotle derives his theory of the good life and the idea that virtue (aretē) is essential to living a good life from his understanding of this human function.
Goals
Goals
Be able to situate Aristotle in his time and place
Understand how Aristotle’s views in metaphysics influence his views in ethics
Understand Aristotle’s derivation of the human good (i.e., happiness, eudaimonia) from his views on the human function
Form a preliminary sense of the role that virtue or excellence (aretē) plays in Aristotle’s approach to the good life
Develop further practice in finding the key claims and arguments in ancient texts
Try reconstructing Aristotle’s argument about the human function in NE I.7 in your own terms. What is the main conclusion? What premises lead to this conclusion? You do not need to turn this in prior to class.
After Class
Further Resources
Further Resources
“Aristotle” – entry from the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Christopher Shields)