It seems that Aristotle believes that pleasure is never a good thing. This is certainly what Socrates believed. But is philosophy itself not a form of pleasure to the philosopher? However, it is not considered a bodily pleasure. There must be a difference. Pleasure for the mind is different from that of the body. I believe that Aristotle and Socrates would agree that they enjoy thinking, but it is not a bodily pleasure that they must abstain from. They would consider it a healthy pleasure. So not all pleasure is bad, but is all bodily pleasure bad? Does anyone have an opinion?
I commented on Abigail and Daniel's posts.
I think the aversion to bodily pleasure was simply an aversion to the distractions that accompany inhabiting a body. Physical desires were disliked by the philosphers because it kept them from the ability to consider things even more deeply.
ReplyDeleteI do not think bodily pleasure is, in itself a bad thing, but rather the overindulgence of said pleasures is.
ReplyDeleteI believe bodily pleasures are bad under certain contexes. For instance too much of something, overindulgance is bad but a little of said thing is not. Speaking from the perspective of christian faith, sex is bad out of marriage but in marriage it is right and beautiful. It all depends on the circumstances
ReplyDeleteI think that Aristotle meant that too much pleasure, just like too much pain, is bad. However, I believe that he does not think pleasure in itself is bad if it is in proper amount/moderation.
ReplyDeleteI do not think Aristotle said that pleasure is completely bad, but too much can lead to self-indulgence which is bad. Pleasure and pain can both be good if they find that balance.
ReplyDeleteI think that Aristotle is speaking more of the over-indulgence of such pleasure.
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