Aristotle argues that there are two different kinds of people: those who are the “general run of men” and those who are of “superior refinement” (part four). They both are said to agree that happiness basically means to be living and doing well. But the question is, how do we define doing/living well? For the general population, they would argue that it means to have a pleasure-filled life. For the more refined part of society, it is much more. What good is wealth if you are ill? Can you still maintain happiness? Aristotle is challenging his audience, and perhaps himself, to question what it means to be happy. Can wealth and health provide true happiness, or must it be something deeper to fully satisfy that happiness?
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This kind of reminds me of Socrates. He is always trying to find the real meaning of deep questions in life. He would ask what is happiness and how does one obtain it?
ReplyDeleteI think that is a really good point. It is hard to determine what true happiness is. Socrates would keep challenging us to find a true definitions as mere examples rarely suffice.
ReplyDeleteDoes happiness have to be learned or taught? Is happiness a gift? Can happiness be achieved in this life? Do only lovers of philosophy find true happiness? I am sure that Socrates might ask those types of questions.
ReplyDeleteI personally believe happiness is something much deeper, but I really like and agree with the points you brought up from the text. To some people happiness comes in both forms, and others only one.
ReplyDeleteI am also curious as to how "living well" is defined here because how that is defined makes a big difference in how much living well can equate with happiness.
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