AristotleThe Politics
Aristotle believes that the chief ingredient for a life of happiness is virtue. Virtue is a state of the soul that disposes and prompts our actions and is meant to guide our behaviors in society and enable us to practice moderation. Aristotle believes that human happiness, which is not to be equated with the simple-minded pursuit of pleasure, stems from fulfilling human potentialities. These potentialities can be identified by rational choice, practical judgment, and recognition of the value of choosing the mean instead of extremes. The central moral problem is the human tendency to want to acquire more and to act unjustly whenever one has the power to do so. According to Aristotle happiness is the highest good and the goo life comes from the realization and perfect practice of virtue.In order to lead a life of goodness there must be a foundation of adequate health (goods of the body), adequate wealth (external goods, property), and goods of the soul (virtue, wisdom). People think that a moderate amount of virtue is enough, but set no limit to their desires of "wealth and property, power, reputation, and all such things... " - i.e. of external goods. (1323 a35-40) Happiness is more often found in those who are cultivated
Public service is part of life in the ideal polis but it is important to note that these political activities always include time for leisure. Speculative reason is also referred to as scientific reason. There are four ways Aristotle thinks it is important to use scientific reason to really know happiness. In the ideal polis, the foundation of the ideal social structure is based on serfs and slaves. During the younger years one engages in civil activities including military and defense. First, a uniform system of public education prepares one for military service. Calculative reason is practical wisdom which leads to moral virtue. There must be adequate free time to organize ideas and grow our knowledge or speculative reason. Included in the Aristotelian moral virtues are temperance, courage, liberality, gentleness, and proper pride. Phase four begins early in the high school years. " [1323b21] Aristotle said we must act naturally in order to be happy. This would allow each citizen adequate wealth and help with foreign affairs. The aim of this training is preparation for the military and includes hard physical training and a strict diet. That is, it is implicit in Aristotle's conception of the good life that not everyone is meant to achieve goodness and that these people are better off serving those who can.
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