Aristotle brings up the point of developing habits and how they define how we act on virtue, stating that good habits develop good virtue and vice versa. This makes a good deal of sense, as the tendencies we act upon define our character and personalities. Yet, there is some issue taken with this mentality. While I am in agreement with this concept, Aristotle states that in order to develop good habits, and therefore good virtue, we must give up all pleasures of the physical variety. While I can see his point, as human physical desire tends to lead us down dark roads, but denying all physical pleasure is unhealthy. Denying all physical desires has the capability to stagnate one's mind, and makes it difficult for one to enjoy the fullness of life. Rather, it should be that overindulging in physical pleasures that should be denied, and the practice of denying overindulgence should be considered virtuous and not earthly pleasure themselves.
I commented on Dallas and Hannah's posts.
I agree with you. The desires of the flesh do lead us down dark roads. However, pleasure is not just indulging in our sinful flesh. You can find pleasure in physical activity, which is a good thing. Overindulging in something as innocent as exercise can become bad though. There is definitely a balance. You are absolutely right.
ReplyDeleteWell, Aristotle also states that physical fitness (to paraphrase) and pleasure is important as well. He rules it out only in the discussion of virtue. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteI think he is more arguing that pleasures (since they are subjective) should not be taken into account with a subject like virtue (since it should be objective) in the sense that pleasure tend to create a bias on what is or is not virtuous.
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