Podcast Summary
Aristotle's vision of the good life: Aristotle emphasized personal happiness, virtues, potential, purpose, relationships, and handling misfortune to live a fulfilling life.
Aristotle believed that the good life was not just about personal happiness, but also about cultivating virtues, understanding one's unique potential and purpose, and building strong relationships. He also emphasized the importance of handling misfortune as an opportunity to become a better decision-maker. Aristotle was a polymath who made significant contributions to various fields, including philosophy, science, and literature. His wide-ranging interests and holistic approach to understanding the world make him a seminal figure in intellectual history. Edith Hall's personal encounter with Aristotle's works as a young adult helped her navigate the ethical questions she was grappling with and provided her with a framework for living a fulfilling life.
Aristotle's Ethics: Humans are responsible for their own happiness: Aristotle believed true happiness is a lifelong commitment to figuring out ways of living and treating others to maximize eudaimonia, sustainable well-being and flourishing, not a constant state of joy or pleasure.
Aristotle's ethics, as outlined in his Nicomachean Ethics, emphasize the importance of humans taking responsibility for their own actions and happiness, as we are advanced animals capable of thought and rationalization. He believed that there is no external force guiding moral life, and that true happiness is a lifelong commitment to figuring out ways of living and treating others to maximize felicity, or eudaimonia, a sustainable and subjective sense of well-being and flourishing. Contrary to popular belief, Aristotle did not view happiness as a constant state of joy or pleasure, but rather as an activity and way of life.
Aristotle's view on true human happiness: Aristotle believed true happiness comes from identifying and cultivating unique talents through relationships and education, not from full satisfaction or contentment.
According to Aristotle, true human happiness or felicity, is not about full satisfaction or contentment, but rather a sense of satisfaction with one's own performance as a human being. This sense of felicity can only be achieved through interaction and relationships with other people, and involves discovering and fulfilling one's unique potential. Aristotle believed that each individual has a distinct set of talents, and that true happiness comes from identifying and cultivating these abilities. He also emphasized the importance of education in helping individuals discover their potential and live a life free from misery and full of good relationships. Sadly, Aristotle lamented the waste of human potential in parts of the world where people are unable to develop beyond their basic physical needs, as well as in developed worlds where people are forced into careers that do not align with their natural talents.
Identifying and practicing virtues for a virtuous life: Aristotle believed that discovering potential and living virtuously are keys to personal happiness. Identify strengths and weaknesses, practice virtues like courage, kindness, self-control, and generosity, and make ethical decisions to lead a fulfilling life.
Discovering and developing one's potential and living a virtuous life are key to personal happiness according to Aristotle's ethics. However, vast numbers of people may never discover their potential due to an overemphasis on subjects like math, English, and science. To live virtuously, one must identify their strengths and weaknesses with extreme honesty, and commit to practicing virtues such as courage, kindness, self-control, and generosity. This requires introspection, self-awareness, and a commitment to making ethical and morally sound decisions. Aristotle believed that everyone has a unique set of virtues and vices, and the key to happiness lies in identifying and addressing one's worst faults. By living virtuously, one can lead a fulfilling and ethically sound life.
Aristotle's Ethics: Balance and Exceptions: Aristotle believed in living a virtuous life by finding balance and considering exceptions to rigid rules.
For instance, anger is not inherently good or bad, but the right amount of anger is virtuous and necessary for seeking justice. However, a deficiency or excess of anger is a vice. Similarly, there are few absolute categories in Aristotle's ethics. For example, while taking someone else's life is generally considered wrong, there may be situations where self-defense justifies it. Lying is generally discouraged, but there are exceptions, such as protecting loved ones from harm. Aristotle's ethics focus on living a good life and reaching one's human potential, rather than rigid rules or absolutes.
Aristotle's emphasis on intentions over outcomes: Verify all information before taking action to ensure the best possible outcome, as per Aristotle's eight-step decision-making plan.
According to Aristotle, the intention behind an action is more important than the outcome itself in determining moral value. Deliberation plays a crucial role in figuring out the right intention. Aristotle believed that decision-making could be treated as a science, and he outlined an eight-point plan for making any decision. The first step is to verify all information before taking action. While this may seem simple, it's essential to ensure the best possible outcome. For instance, before making a significant decision like leaving a marriage based on rumors, it's necessary to fact-check and gather all relevant information. Aristotle's philosophy encourages us to consider the context, our intentions, and the potential consequences before making a moral judgment.
Understanding practical wisdom: Fact-checking is necessary, but practical wisdom helps make instinctive decisions. It's developed through experience and becomes a habit.
Making informed decisions requires both fact-checking and practical wisdom, which is developed through experience. Aristotle referred to this virtue as phronesis or practical wisdom. It's the ability to determine what's the right thing to do in various situations. Verifying facts is essential, but it's not enough. Practical wisdom helps us make decisions instinctively, like driving a car. It becomes a habit. For instance, I decided to always smile at my children despite my strict upbringing. At first, it was conscious, but later, it became habitual. Aristotle believed that action is crucial in learning, and contemplation has its place but should be balanced with praxis. So, reflect and think, but also take action. For most of us, it's a combination of both.
Living a good life requires both natural virtues and deliberate effort: Aristotle believed that living a good life involves a combination of natural virtues, learned habits, and acceptance of life's uncertainties
According to Aristotle, living a good life involves both practical wisdom gained through experience and self-conscious effort, as well as an acceptance of the role of luck in life. Aristotle believed that some people are naturally virtuous and learn good habits easily, but for most of us, it requires deliberate effort. He also acknowledged that misfortune and tragedy can be part of life, and even for those who suffer greatly, the ability to maintain good intentions and find peace with oneself can lead to a reasonably fulfilled life. Aristotle emphasized the importance of preparing for death and living well in the time we have, rather than seeking a magic wand or immunity against misfortune.
Aristotle valued relationships and trust: Aristotle believed relationships and trust are essential for happiness and society, forming strong bonds with non-kin, and breaking trust can lead to misery.
Aristotle regarded relationships as the most important aspect of human life, and he valued the capacity for humans to form strong bonds with non-kin and build communities. He placed great importance on trust in these relationships, whether it be with a life partner, friend, colleague, or fellow citizen. Trust is what makes a good relationship indispensable to happiness, and breaking trust can lead to misery. Aristotle's view of relationships was not self-centered but focused on the impact on the larger community and society as a whole. He also believed that the primary relationship, such as a marriage, is the foundation of society and that breaking trust in this relationship can have far-reaching consequences. Aristotle did not have any specific tips on how to pick a good spouse or friend, but he did have several close relationships throughout his life, including with his younger colleague Theophrastus and a princess whom he married late in life.
Aristotle's Vision of a Flourishing Life: Aristotle emphasized the importance of engaging in society, managing emotions, and practicing virtues for a fulfilling life. He also prioritized caring for loved ones and respecting their desires.
Aristotle believed that a flourishing life required engagement in various aspects of society, such as politics, education, and business. He also emphasized the significance of managing emotions and exercising virtues through interactions with others. Furthermore, Aristotle's personal life, as shown in his will, illustrates the importance of caring for loved ones and respecting their desires, even if they were not formal spouses. Overall, Aristotle's teachings highlight the importance of communication, shared values, and community involvement in cultivating a fulfilling life and strong relationships.
Acknowledging and grieving the loss of a friend is natural and important: Recognizing and dealing with the emotional connection and investment in a long-term friendship is a healthy response, not a sign of weakness.
Despite the stoic belief that a man shouldn't show pain when losing a friend, the emotional connection and investment made over decades make it worth acknowledging and grieving. Edith emphasized that this is not a weakness, but a natural part of the human experience. To learn more about Edith's work and her book "Aristotle's Way," visit her website at EdithHall.co.uk. Remember, it's important not only to listen to the AWIM Podcast, but to put what you've heard into action. If you've enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend or family member and leaving a review on iTunes or Stitcher. For more resources and to delve deeper into this topic, check out our show notes at AOM.IS/Aristotle. Until next time, this is Brett McKay, reminding you to not only listen to the AWIM Podcast, but to put what you've heard into action.
