Aristotle On Ethics Essay, Research Paper

1) Explain fully Aristotle?s approach to Ethics. What is the goal of the

ethical life? What type of soul is capable of realizing the good life? How do we

go about accomplishing this goal? What are the possible lifestyle choices we may

lead? Are any of these conducive to leading the good life? The goal of the

ethical life, according to Aristotle, is good. All human activity is directed

toward this good, the highest of which is Eudaimonia. There are two kinds of

good, intrinsic and instrumental. Intrinsic goods are those which are good in

and of themselves. The only thing that is completely intrinsic is happiness, or

Eudaimonia. Instrumental goods are those which are good only because they are

used for some other thing or purpose. Money is the most obvious instrumental

good, as it is used to obtain other goods. Any individual with a virtuous soul

is capable of realizing the good life. One must live with moral and intellectual

virtues, excellences, and high standards to accomplish this goal. There are

three lifestyles one may lead: the vulgar, the political, or the contemplative.

The vulgar lifestyle is based on instant gratification. Goods are simply

pleasures one enjoys immediately and temporarily. This lifestyle is guaranteed

to fail in the quest for Eudaimonia. The political lifestyle in one in which

happiness is determined by honor achieved. There are two types of honors one can

obtain in the political life, the real and the bogus. Bogus honors are simply to

gain status in society and could be bought, but real honors are awards for doing

good and helping others. While politics itself is the study of the good, one

could easily disgrace oneself and become ostracized from the community. The

contemplative lifestyle is one based upon speculation and reflection into

one?s own life. This lifestyle is ethical and is the best way to guide one

towards the good life and true happiness.