...What does Aristotle mean when he says "man is a political animal"? According to Aristotle, the end goal of human life is happiness, which is found in the application of reason. This life of good quality is not possible except within the confines of a city. Man needs the leisure and the social interaction that citizens in a polis enjoy in order to enjoy achieve this happiness. As a result, non-citizens are unable to attain true happiness or rationality and are thus less complete, less human than citizens. To realize his true human nature, man must take part in political life, and so, Aristotle concludes, he is a political animal. What are Aristotle's main arguments in defense of private property? Aristotle argues that private property is not the root of man's wickedness, but rather a manifestation. Because man's wickedness runs deep, eliminating private property will not make man better. Aristotle suggests instead that education and moderation will eliminate vice. He also points out that the important virtue of generosity would not be possible if there were no private property with which to be generous. Is a good citizen the same thing as a good man? Why or why not? The ideal citizen is someone who best serves the ends of the city. Because there are many different kinds of constitutions, and each constitution calls for many different kinds of citizens, there must necessarily be many different standards for excellence in a citizen...
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...What is politics? For centuries humans have argued constantly about everything. There is always someone who disagrees with another human’s point of view. When discussing politics there are numerous questions that require answers. What will be discussed in this essay is the question many people have longed to have an answer for. What is politics? By regurgitating Aristotle and Thomas Hobbes in this essay, we will get to define politics. Aristotle believes that man is naturally geared towards the well being of a community whereas Thomas Hobbes believes the exact opposite. Hobbes believes that humans are individually minded and only focus on themselves. By elucidating both point of views we will then be able to decide for ourselves which one of these authors seems to be more right in defining what is politics. While reading Aristotle’s book Politics Aristotle firmly asserts that the city-state exists by nature. He writes: A complete community constituted out of several villages, once it reaches the limit of total self-sufficiency, practically speaking, is a city-state. It comes to be for the sake of living, but it remains in existence for the sake of living well. That is why every city-state exists by nature since the first communities do. (Page 3 Lines 26-30). Once a community fully becomes independent and does not require any outside help in satisfying their needs that is when a community becomes a city-state. Here we see Aristotle’s assertion that a “city-state exists by...
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...Jennifer Canon PHI - 2010-15850 T 7PM Aristotle the Great Philosopher The Greek philosopher Aristotle made significant and lasting contributions to nearly every aspect of human knowledge, from logic to biology to ethics and aesthetics. In Arabic philosophy, he was known simply as “The First Teacher”; in the West, he was “The Philosopher.” Aristotle was born in 384 B.C. northern Greece in a town called Stagria . Both of his parents were members of traditional medical families, and his father, Nicomachus, served as court physician to King Amyntus III of Macedonia. Some believe it to be his father's influence that gave Aristotle his interest in anatomy and the structure of living things in general. At age 17 he went to Athens to enroll in Plato's Academy. He spent the next 20 years first as a student and then as a teacher at the school. When he left the school he emerged as a great teacher and had many opinions about his teacher Plato. For the next five years, Aristotle went to the coast of Asia Minor as a guest of former students at Assos and Lesbos. It was here that he began his research into marine biology and married his wife Pythias, with whom he had his only daughter, also named Pythias. In 342 Aristotle was summoned to Macedonia by King Philip II to tutor his son, the future Alexander the Great. Although speculation concerning Aristotle's influence upon the developing Alexander has proven irresistible to historians, in fact little concrete is known about...
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...Plato was one of the first to develop the concept of a political utopia. In The Republic, he attempted to outline the guidelines for a just society. Plato's Utopia appears, at first to be an excellent idea. However, his perfect society is less than the ideal, even from the contemporary perspective. Aristotle, through "The Politic” attempted to understand the nature of man in a "realistic" view. What Plato called ideal, Aristotle called unfeasible. He tries to make rationale judgment in the management of his ideal of a society, through understanding human behavior and logic, making it what he would deem a more realistic society. As humans we tend to care more about our individual needs prior to the needs of others. The values that we express reflect our own self-interest, where the good of the individual was the main concern and was not the same as that of the State. Plato saw this to be determinate to society based on the awareness that Guardians, such as civil leaders and assistants would care more about their individual desires, and their needs; disregarding anything else to fulfill their pleasures. "On this basis they will then be free from faction, to the extent tat any rate that human beings divide into factions over the possession of money, children, and relatives" (Stephanos 464e). Plato recognized this to create factions among individuals, where these divisions' main concerns were to themselves, their family, and to others that were close to them. Families create that...
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...Apply Aristotle Doctrine of the Mean in Contemporary Society Introduction Aristotle aims at achieving flourishing happiness throughout life. This explains the reason why Aristotle holds that; happiness can be achieved when everybody embraces virtues, According to Aristotle virtues involves a mean of two evils. This is explained under the Doctrine of the mean. The doctrine of the mean connects to Eudaimonia, and experiences some elements of success and failure in contemporary society. Application of The Doctrine of the mean The Eudoimonia was derived from Greek, and can be translated into varied terms. These terms are aimed at defining prosperity and success in life. The term is a noun, which forms its roots from a combination of the well and evil words in Greek. Examination of the word structure explains the reason why the word can be derived into varied definition. The literal definition of the words is “well-spirit.” This definition is quite unclear to its best. However, the definition of Aristotle is commonly used to ensure standard definition of the term (Curzer 56). Aristotle holds that Eudaimonia involves a synergy, which comprises of both well acting and well feeling. This means that; an individual can only act well when he or she feels well. The idea behind Eudaimonia is concerned with a good feeling derived from acting well. This feeling can be attained when an individual experiences a warm glow. Contrarily, Aristotle is not a Hedonist, because he does not link happiness...
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...Aristotle As an important figure head in the field of philosophy, Aristotle and his numerous influences will be detailed. Identification and evaluation of key concepts and analyses that comprised his theories will be discussed along with identification and description of his contributions to the field of philosophy will also be offered. Lastly, further discussion will focus on how the culture and the time period influenced his ideology. Metaphysics Metaphysics is a branch philosophy concerned with explaining the fundamental nature of being. It is considered to be one of the greatest philosophical works. It kind of piggy backs off of Plato’s theory of forms. Plato believed that the nature of things is eternal and doesn’t change, but we know from just living in this world that things are always changing daily. Aristotle wanted to reconcile these contradictory statements of the views of the world. Aristotle used the influence of both Heraclitus and Parmenides. One believed that things appear to be permanent but they are really gradually changing all the time. Parmenides, argued certain conclusions could be reached by using reason alone and making no use of senses. After studying at the Academy, Aristotle would turn against his teaching and felt that there was a connection between the abstraction of existence and the science of nature. Aristotle described substance as material reality and formal and discusses the connection between actuality and potentiality. According to...
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...I. Outline of Aristotle personal achievements and misdeeds A. Aristotle was born in Stagira Greece 384 B.C.E his father was a court physician this gave him a close association with Macedonian Court. After his father died Aristotle at age 17 was sent to an intellectual center where he studied for 20 years. He also began to study under Plato. When Plato died Aristotle diverged from his teachings which made him no longer eligible to take Plato’s place. He then got married and soon after travel to Mytilene under the invitation of Philip of Macedonia to tutor his 13 year old son Alexander who would become Alexander the great. This gave Aristotle a high honor in the court. When alexander took over the throne due to his father death and Aristotle...
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...Easter and Western Philosophers Comparison Dominick Mckeon 105 Philosophy Nancy Wack The philosopher I chose was Aristotle and his philosophy of naturalistic ethics. He discerned that what was good for us was defined by our natural objective. To him, happiness was the thing that we seek for its own sake and for no other reason and that this being our highest objective makes it also the highest form of good. He reasoned that in order to find out what makes us happy we must consider our function, what we actually do as human animals. The text claimed that, for the most part, we do two things, live and reason, and so happiness consists of enjoying life and honing our ability to reason. As living creatures with biological needs, we receive pleasure by satisfying those needs. Eating food is enjoyable, sleeping and napping can be enjoyable, procreation can also be enjoyable, and many other biological needs when met create enjoyment. He also argues that human beings are distinct from other animals in our ability to reason, I do not agree with this, but if I were living in his era, I probably would have agreed. The chapter goes on to say that because we can reason it is therefore, necessary to exercise our ability to achieve happiness; not just the pleasure of satisfying biological needs. Aristotle coined the term virtue which encompassed two variations, one in which we contemplate called intellectually virtuous and the other to be morally virtuous as when...
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...ARISTOTLE’S PRUDENCE IN UPHOLDING THE VANISHING FILIPINO VALUE; DELICADEZA A Termpaper Presented to Dr. Rodrigo Abenes,PH.D Rogationist Seminary College-Manila In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Course Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy Submitted by: Sem. Joseph Jeric C. Umangga ARISTOTLE’S PRUDENCE IN UPHOLDING THE VANISHING FILIPINO VALUE; DELICADEZA I. INTRODUCTION Ancestors during their times are known for being disciplined and decent citizens.[1]Ancient law makers had filled the Philippines through instituting laws, rules and regulations to provide the citizens a peaceful and orderly way of life. Through the obedience of the Filipinos, they had practiced to be always properly conducted every time in accordance with the place they dwell with. Later on, Filipinos have found the conclusion which is to include the value called Delicadeza as one of the Filipino values. II. DELICADEZA AS A VALUE Delicadeza is a Spanish word coined from “Delicado” which means fragile, irreplaceable and precious.[2] In Spanish it can mean many things – ‘delicacy’, ‘kindness’, ‘tact.’ The word implies a care for what others think and the accordant behavior this requires from the person in act. When one does not exhibit delicadeza then one does not care what others think and will behave despite what has been deemed ‘improper. ’ Delicadeza, in this sense, can be seen to underline a sense of community...
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...As we know, Aristotle is one of the great Greek philosophers. He studied under Plato. He has written many books on many subjects. He is a father of many subjects like logic, political science, etc. Aristotle was convinced about his ideas and thoughts that is why he did not agree with some of the ideas of his guru and even with the other philosophers like Parmenides’ arguments. Plato believed in the world of ideas, for him the idea and the form were real. However, For Aristotle the individual things were real, he believed in the world of reality. Since he believed in the world of reality, he saw on this earth many beings so he called them as substances. Aristotle says, “The substance is a unity of form and matter. Substances undergo two types of changes: accidental and radical.” [2] Since he spoke about changes, there was a clash between Parmenides and Aristotle. The Greek philosopher Parmenides said, “Reality is one and stable,” [3] that means there cannot be any change. In other words, “In reality there is no change at all; all change is mere appearance; because reality is one, which is unchanging.” [4] Because Parmenides believed that there are only two possibilities, they are ‘being’ and ‘non-being’. According to Parmenides if there is something then only something comes out and if there is nothing how can you expect something? The problem was that later he said that from being no being comes because He has no idea of potentiality in being. However, Aristotle says, every...
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...Best type of government. Aristocracy or even monarchy, where the best types of government Aristotle believed. He believed that the ruler had the best interest at heart for their country. What is the difference between democracy and oligarchy? What are the different types of each? Oligarchy is a power stature in which is rules by small group of people, Democracy is a government in which all the people have an equal say in any decision that affect their lives. He believed that oligarchy only interest was to be wealthy. The democracies are the needy. What is "polity" or "constitutional government"? Why does Aristotle think that polity is the best practical form of government? All citizens rule and are ruled in turn. The polity allows all citizens to take short turns ruling. Where everyone had a share of political power. What are the primary causes of revolutions? How can political regimes be preserved? Conflict between cities because of disagreements about justice, because of the different ideas of equality and each has a partial claim to justice. Regimes can be preserved if the government instead of worrying about what is in their interest should worry about the interest of its entire subject. What is the principle upon which democracy is based? What are the characteristics of a democracy? Democracy is a government in which everyone has an equal says equal participation and proposal are what it is about. Majority always rules can be listed as a characteristic of democracy...
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...and run a country. When it comes to politics, Plato describes the different roles in society that lead to political and social justice. If everyone does and completes the roles assigned to them, everything will be good. Plato divides the three main roles into the classes such as laborers, guardians, and rulers in the state. He then later in the selections describes how political and societal justice is very similar to individuals and their justice. Plato divides the soul into three parts that resemble the classes in a society because they have similar roles. The three parts of the soul are appetitive, spirited, and the rational part. The reason these parts align with the classes are because they each help the aligning role fit and do the part of that role. When explaining the sun and cave, Plato goes on to say that only Philosophers have the knowledge and know everything to be able to rule and know the forms of the good. He claims that only the forms are knowledge because they are a representation of the ideas in our head that we can see and uses senses for. Aristotle believes that the highest form of good is happiness and he says that all humans are “rational animals” which makes us different from other animals. Our brains and soul’s ability to rationalize is one of the biggest factors when it comes to being happy and reaching that high level of happiness. When Aristotle says, “The good of man is the active exercise of his soul’s faculties in conformity with virtue” he is trying...
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...According to Aristotle in book one and two of Nicomachean Ethic, instead of focusing at making a set of rules to govern men’s behaviors, he rather highlights the type of men they should become. He suggested that happiness is the essence that leads to living well. The definition of happiness is different for everyone and it could be something that we could work towards but ultimately it serves as the purpose of life. In order to accomplish happiness, virtue ethics play an important role. For Aristotle, it does not mean that people should act because it is morally right, instead, the end of happiness should justify the way of getting to the end. As humans are prone to extremes, either deficit or extreme, it is important for them to find the balance between two. In Nicomachean Ethics Book 1, Aristotle started off the book with that every human action is in pursuit to a goal or purpose and the ultimate ends are good in the sense of doing good things “…is thought to aim at some good” (NE I, 1) he also proclaimed that the master “good” exists for people to desire for its own sake or else all human would not be pursuing anything. “… the ends of master arts are to be preferred to all the subordinate ends.” (NE I, 1) to have a better understanding for master good, political science is the best field where it should be left out for the experienced as immature are susceptible to a notion “a young man is not a proper hearer of lectures on political science.” (NE I, 3) Moreover, he explained...
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...during his time, may have failed to assess properly the political structure, then, being that it was similar to absolute monarchy, and that most wars during his time were waged through political systems that adopted this. Locke while having significant influence such as influencing the founding fathers of America and providing a more complex political structure in detail, however, can be seen to miss certain issues that arise from his views on private property and government functions. Viewing things through a modern lens, if we were to adopt Locke’s limited government, which does not provide societal needs such as the development of infrastructure, services, or the maintenance of various things than this form of system would be problematic (i.e., using a modern lens we know people need more from government). Proponents who may support Locke’s view on government should consider that while in Locke’s government if agreements are broken the government will be the arbitrator. However, this does make up for the various things that the government would not do along with not...
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...Logic Main article: Logic Logic is the study of the principles of correct reasoning. Arguments use either deductive reasoning or inductive reasoning. Deductive reasoning is when, given certain statements (called premises), other statements (called conclusions) are unavoidably implied. Rules of inferences from premises include the most popular method, modus ponens, where given “A” and “If A then B”, then “B” must be concluded. A common convention for a deductive argument is the syllogism. An argument is termed valid if its conclusion does indeed follow from its premises, whether the premises are true or not, while an argument is sound if its conclusion follows from premises that are true. Propositional logic uses premises that are propositions, which are declarations that are either true or false, while predicate logic uses more complex premises called formulae that contain variables. These can be assigned values or can be quantified as to when they apply with the universal quantifier (always apply) or the existential quantifier (applies at least once). Inductive reasoning makes conclusions or generalizations based on probabilistic reasoning. For example, if “90% of humans are right-handed” and “Joe is human” then “Joe is probably right-handed”. Fields in logic include mathematical logic (formal symbolic logic) and philosophical logic. Metaphysics Main article: Metaphysics Metaphysics is the study of the most general features of reality, such as existence, time, the relationship...
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