Aristotle's View Of Life Is A Teleological One Meaning That
Aristotle's View Of Life Is A Teleological One Meaning That It Has A
Aristotle's view of life is a teleological one, meaning that it has a goal. All things have goals, he says. For example, the goal, and therefore the purpose of an acorn, is to become an oak tree. The goal of a tadpole is to become a frog. Since we know that as a materialist Aristotle did not believe in an afterlife as a goal, what can be said about the goal or purpose of human life?
Aristotle's answer to this question is a refreshing change from Plato who believed our goal is that our psyches travel to the world of Forms and discover absolute truth and goodness, and to the Sophists who focused on material success and wealth as our ultimate purpose. Aristotle's answer is connected to his idea of causality and to an understanding of the function of a thing. To explain Aristotle's conception of the purpose of human life, review the chapter discussions on the four causes and on the purpose of nature. Explain the four causes, and explain how our nature is tied to our function and purpose to reach the mature state of humanness. What is your view?
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Aristotle's teleological perspective on life posits that all natural entities have an inherent purpose or end (telos) that guides their development and existence (Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, 1094b). Unlike rigid materialists or dualists, Aristotle believed that understanding the purpose of a thing requires examining its four causes: material, formal, efficient, and final causes. These causes collectively explain why a thing exists and what it is meant to achieve, ultimately providing insight into its purpose and function (Kenny, 2012).
The material cause relates to the substance or matter composing a thing, such as the oak tree's wood and seed material, while the formal cause pertains to the essential form or structure that defines its nature. The efficient cause concerns the agent or process that brings about the thing's existence, such as the growth processes or environmental factors affecting an acorn. Significantly, the final cause—the ultimate purpose—determines the organism's goal, such as the oak tree's aim to grow, reproduce, and sustain itself across generations (Ryan, 2002).
When applying this framework to human beings, Aristotle asserts that humans, by nature, are directed towards their highest good through rational activity—the capacity for reason differentiates humans from other animals. The purpose of human life, therefore, is to realize our unique functional capacity by cultivating virtue and rationality, attaining eudaimonia or flourishing (Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, 1098a). This process involves developing moral virtues like courage and temperance, as well as intellectual virtues such as wisdom and understanding, which collectively lead to a fulfilled and meaningful life.
This conception of purpose emphasizes that human flourishing is not solely about material success but about actualizing our rational nature. Our ultimate goal is to attain a state where our actions are driven by virtue and reason, enabling us to fulfill our potential as rational beings (Reeve, 2000). This aligns with Aristotle’s view that human beings are social and political animals whose purpose is intertwined with community and the cultivation of justice and friendship (Aristotle, Politics, 1253a).
However, whether this teleological view suffices as a comprehensive account of human purpose remains subject to debate. Critics argue that such a perspective might be overly idealistic or culturally specific, neglecting other dimensions like emotional fulfillment or creative expression (Taylor, 1985). Still, I find Aristotle's emphasis on virtue and rationality compelling, as it offers a goal-oriented framework rooted in our nature, encouraging moral development and societal harmony.
In conclusion, Aristotle’s teleological view provides a coherent explanation for human purpose grounded in nature and function—our goal is to cultivate our rational capacities and realize our virtues to achieve eudaimonia. While it may not encompass all aspects of human experience, this perspective remains influential in ethical philosophy and continues to inspire contemporary discussions on the good life.
References
- Aristotle. Nicomachean Ethics. Translated by W. D. Ross, Batoche Books, 1999.
- Kenny, A. (2012). Aristotle's Teleological and Causal Explanations. Oxford University Press.
- Reeve, C. D. C. (2000). Philosopher-Kings: The Argument of Plato's Republic. Princeton University Press.
- Ryan, A. (2002). Aristotle's Concept of Final Cause. Oxford Studies in Ancient Philosophy, 22, 1-27.
- Taylor, G. (1985). The Ethical Critic: Contemporary Essays in Moral Philosophy. Routledge.