After Studying This Module Content, Select At Least Two

After Studying The Content Of This Module Select At Least Two Theori

After studying the content of this module, select at least two theorists mentioned in this module to help you answer the question, “What is a human for?” Be sure to review the academic expectations for your submission. Submit your assignment by 11:59 pm ET on Sunday. Contribute a minimum of two pages. It should include at least two academic sources, formatted and cited in APA.

Paper For Above instruction

The question “What is a human for?” invites an exploration of human purpose, identity, and the essence of humanity through the lens of established theories and philosophical perspectives. Drawing on two prominent theorists discussed in this module, this paper aims to examine their viewpoints to develop a comprehensive understanding of human purpose. The two theorists selected for this analysis are Aristotle and Jean-Paul Sartre, both of whom offer contrasting yet insightful perspectives on human existence and purpose.

Aristotle’s View of Human Purpose

Aristotle’s philosophy centers around the concept of eudaimonia, often translated as “flourishing” or “well-being.” For Aristotle, the purpose of human life is to achieve eudaimonia through the cultivation of virtues and the fulfillment of rational potential. In his “Nicomachean Ethics,” he posits that humans have a unique function, which is rational activity, and by engaging in this function excellently, individuals attain their highest good (Aristotle, 350 BCE/2009). According to Aristotle, human beings are naturally inclined to seek happiness, but this happiness is not merely pleasurable; it involves living a life of virtue and reason. Virtue, for Aristotle, is a mean between excess and deficiency, and mastering virtues such as courage, temperance, and wisdom enables individuals to fulfill their purpose and achieve happiness.

Therefore, from Aristotle’s perspective, a human’s purpose is to realize their rational capacities by leading a virtuous life. This development of virtue promotes personal fulfillment and social harmony, which are necessary for achieving eudaimonia. His theory emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct, self-control, and rational deliberation in realizing human potential.

Jean-Paul Sartre’s Perspective on Human Existence

In contrast, Jean-Paul Sartre’s existentialist philosophy posits that humans are fundamentally free and responsible for creating their own meaning in life. Sartre famously asserted that “existence precedes essence,” indicating that humans are not born with a predetermined nature or purpose but must define their purpose through their actions and choices (Sartre, 1943/2007). According to Sartre, the absence of inherent meaning in human life places the burden of purpose squarely on the individual. The human condition is characterized by a radical freedom that can be both empowering and burdening, as individuals must navigate the anxiety of choosing authentic paths amidst the absurdity of existence.

Sartre underscores that humans are “condemned to be free,” meaning they cannot escape the responsibility to forge their identity and purpose. Authenticity, thus, becomes a central theme for Sartre, as humans must live true to their self-created values and reject external definitions imposed by society or others. For Sartre, the question “What is a human for?” is ultimately answered in the individual’s ongoing project of self-creation and engagement with the world.

Comparison and Implications for Understanding Human Purpose

Both Aristotle and Sartre offer compelling insights into the question of human purpose, yet their perspectives differ significantly. Aristotle’s approach emphasizes the fulfillment of inherent capabilities—namely rationality and virtue—as the path to human flourishing. In this view, purpose is connected to one’s nature and the cultivation of virtues that align with human essence. Conversely, Sartre’s existentialism posits that purpose is not given but must be self-constructed; individuals are free to define their meaning, bearing the weight of responsibility for their choices. This dichotomy reflects a broader philosophical debate between essentialism and existentialism—whether human purpose is intrinsic or individually created.

Understanding these perspectives enriches the dialogue about human existence, highlighting the importance of virtue and rationality as well as personal responsibility and freedom. In contemporary contexts, integrating these insights encourages a balanced view where individuals strive for virtue while acknowledging their responsibility to forge meaningful lives in an often indeterminate world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question “What is a human for?” can be addressed through different philosophical lenses. Aristotle’s conception emphasizes the realization of rational virtues as the route to human fulfillment, while Sartre’s existentialism centers on individual freedom to create purpose amidst an absurd universe. Both perspectives underscore crucial aspects of human life—virtue and responsibility—that continue to influence philosophical and ethical discussions today.

References

• Aristotle. (2009). Nicomachean Ethics (R. Crisp, Trans.). Cambridge University Press. (Original work published 350 BCE)
• Sartre, J.-P. (2007). Being and Nothingness (H. E. Ramsdell, Trans.). Routledge. (Original work published 1943)
• Irwin, T. (1999). Aristotle’s First Principles. Oxford University Press.
• Crowell, S. (2014). Sartre. Routledge.
• Kenny, A. (2012). The Aquinas Problem. Oxford University Press.
• Reeve, C. D. C. (2009). Philosophy of Aristotle. Wadsworth Publishing.
• Flynn, T. (2006). The Philosophy of Sartre. University of Chicago Press.
• Nussbaum, M. (2016). Creating Capabilities: The Human Development Approach. Harvard University Press.
• Smith, N. (2018). Human Nature and the Good Life. Routledge.
• Taylor, C. (1989). Sources of the Self: The Making of the Modern Identity. Harvard University Press.