moral reason

Aristotle says that the virtues are necessary for humans to attain happiness, but he means this in terms of something we might call “flourishing” or “living well”, which he considers quite different than simply feeling good. Thus, according to Aristotle some people might feel that they are happy, but because they lack the virtues they are not truly flourishing. However, imagine someone that is deceitful, selfish, greedy, self-indulgent, and yet enjoys great pleasure and appears to be quite happy. Is someone like this “flourishing” or not? Explain your answer this by referring to this week’s readings and media, and if possible provide examples from real life and/or from literature, film, TV, etc.

Solution Preview

True happiness, is a state of mind. It is a quality found within. If your mind is at peace, you are truly happy. If you are at peace but are lacking in some areas, you can still be happy. If you have all that, the world could possibly offer: power, possessions, pleasure but are lacking the peace of mind, then you cannot be happy.

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