Acquiring Happiness - Aquinas and Aristotle
Acquiring Happiness - Aquinas and Aristotle Aristotle believed that the highest of all goods achievable by action, for all men, from the average to the aristocrat, was happiness (p. 24). In addition, he added that happiness was the final good, or the end of action (p. 25). He believed that, by nature, happiness is achieved by "exercising reason in accordance with virtue." He said that, in performing virtuously, one should act morally according to a mean which lies between two vices, as the two vices (the extremes) fall short of what is right (p. 28). Aristotle believed that, in addition to reason, men should pursue truth through philosophy and contemplation, using logic and the observation of nature. He believed "t
Supernatural happiness only comes through revelation from God. However, Aquinas believed that happiness comes from the Page 2contemplation which brings one to know God and His nature (p. Even though many believe that philosophy and theology must be kept separate, this was not Aquinas' view. Although it is true that faith cannot be explained intellectually, we can benefit by using our intellect to understand more about both God and reason. He thought that our very human nature makes it very difficult to achieve this condition, and that it was overly optimistic to believe that it was possible for more than a few (p. He believed that the two components of rationale and revelation from God were complementary tools to be used in developing our personal and spiritual growth, and in continuing our quest for happiness. Aquinas went on to say that it is difficult to achieve both natural and supernatural power in the earthly life. Aquinas agreed with Aristotle that we should use our reason and our intellect, not only to gain knowledge, but also to gain an understanding of theology and information about the nature of God. He looked at things from a purely philosophical view. Because we cannot continually sustain the intellectual capacity necessary to attain moral virtues and also be a super saint, which, in Aquinas' opinion, is what it would take to gain supernatural happiness, most will never obtain it. We can obtain natural happiness in our own power, through our human faculties.
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