Discussion 1: 500 Words - Aristotle On Virtues

Discussion 1 500 Words1aristotle Says That The Virtues Are Necessary

Discussion 1 500 Words1aristotle Says That The Virtues Are Necessary

Discussion 1 500 words ; 1. Aristotle says that the virtues are necessary for humans to attain happiness, but he means this in terms of something we might call “flourishing” or “living well”, which he considers quite different than simply feeling good. Thus, according to Aristotle some people might feel that they are happy, but because they lack the virtues they are not truly flourishing. However, imagine someone that is deceitful, selfish, greedy, self-indulgent, and yet enjoys great pleasure and appears to be quite happy. Is someone like this “flourishing” or not? Explain your answer this by referring to this week’s readings and media, and if possible provide examples from real life and/or from literature, film, TV, etc.

Paper For Above instruction

Aristotle’s concept of virtue and happiness centers on the idea that true human flourishing, or eudaimonia, arises from living virtuously rather than simply experiencing pleasure or superficial happiness. According to Aristotle, virtues are character traits that lie at a mean between excess and deficiency, and cultivating these virtues leads to a fulfilled and enduring form of happiness. This perspective emphasizes moral development, rational judgment, and the pursuit of the good life as integral to human nature (Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics).

When considering whether a person who is deceitful, selfish, greedy, and self-indulgent—yet appears to enjoy great pleasure—is truly flourishing, it is crucial to distinguish between superficial pleasure and genuine well-being. Aristotle would argue that such an individual is not genuinely flourishing because they lack virtuous character traits that enable a person to achieve true happiness. The pleasure that comes from vice, such as greed or selfishness, is short-lived and ultimately unfulfilling; it does not contribute to the development of virtues that constitute a good and meaningful life.

For example, in literature, characters like Walter White from the TV series “Breaking Bad” initially appear to achieve personal success and happiness through their criminal endeavors. However, as the series unfolds, it becomes evident that such success is hollow, marred by moral corruption, suffering, and the loss of genuine human connections. This aligns with Aristotle’s view that external success or fleeting pleasures do not equate to true happiness. Similarly, in real life, individuals who indulge in greed and self-indulgence may experience momentary pleasure but often face alienation, guilt, or destabilization over time—indicating they are not truly flourishing.

Furthermore, Aristotle emphasizes that virtues like honesty, temperance, and justice promote the development of character conducive to long-term fulfillment. These virtues guide individuals toward rational choices that align with the human function, which Aristotle posits as rational activity performed excellently. A person who embodies these virtues is better equipped to create meaningful relationships and contribute positively to society, hallmarks of genuine flourishing.

In conclusion, although someone may appear happy through pleasure or superficial success, Aristotle would argue they are not truly flourishing if they lack virtues. Virtues underpin a well-ordered soul and foster authentic happiness—qualities that superficial pleasures cannot sustain. Therefore, genuine happiness and flourishing require more than transient pleasure; they depend on the cultivation of virtues that guide moral and rational excellence.

References

• Aristotle. (2004). Nicomachean Ethics (J. Annas, Trans.). Oxford University Press.
• Hursthouse, R. (2012). Virtue Ethics and Practical Wisdom. Oxford University Press.
• Annas, J. (2011). Aristotle: An Introduction. Cambridge University Press.
• Kraut, R. (2018). Aristotle: Anatomy of the Soul. Princeton University Press.
• Brown, J. (2009). Virtues and Vices in the Modern Age. Routledge.
• Kitto, H. D. F. (2012). The Greeks: A Great Tradition. Methuen & Co.
• Vogel, J. (2016). Moral Virtues and Practical Wisdom. Harvard University Press.
• Nussbaum, M. (1997). Cultivating Humanity: A Classical Defense of Reform in Liberal Education. Harvard University Press.
• Sher, G. (2006). Aristotle. Routledge.
• Irwin, T. (2017). Aristotle’s Ethics. Oxford University Press.