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| What do humans intrinsically seek according to Aristotle? | | |
Sanjeev Sikri
The historiography of philosophy begins with the categorization of disciplines which was a novel objective in the 4th century BC. The search of understanding the purpose of life has clutched human thought since recorded history, with the Greeks giving a pensive insight on the same.
Aristotle argues for perfectionism as his goal which happens to be grounded in the nature of humanity that seeks an end in whatever they do. A teleological approach to whatever task is at hand which essentially means that one does something for the purpose of achieving a goal at the end of it. Therefore the ultimate purpose for all of humanity which Aristotle calls Eudaimonia, ought to be something that one does as an end in itself. He places two criteria on the supreme good for humanity. Firstly, it must be desired as an end in itself rather than as a means to an end. Secondly, it must be sufficient in itself to alleviate the life of one such that one is capable of living well.
Now there are several ends that one seeks in life, ranging from a well settled career to a healthy body and nourishing relationships to simply a new coffee mug or a trip abroad. These however are again means to lead a life of well being. It is happiness and happiness alone that one chooses not for the sake of anything else but for the sake of itself, all else is chosen for the sake of happiness. Happiness however not in the psychosocial terminology of hormones and behavior but a consistent life of well being which is described as Eudaimonia. Even the acts of virtue which involve honesty and intelligence are partly valued for being good in themselves as well as a means to lead a life of well being. Thus, making Eudaimonia the supreme goal in an unqualified sense since it is completely desired for its own sake. Therefore, the next time you choose to do something, take a step back and see how your next action which ought to be an act of virtue is going to be a means to the final end which is a life of well being, or as Aristotle propounds, Eudaimonia. |
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