Plato and the Cave Free Essay Example, 1250 words

Aristotle and Happiness Aristotle was very concerned with the examination of moral philosophy or ethics and relate it to his political perspective. In his composition entitled as Nicomachean Ethics, he discusses the mechanics to which one can be or is morally responsible along with a discussion on the nature of the virtues and vices involved in moral evaluation and the methods of achieving happiness in human life. Essentially, Aristotle concerned himself with the question of what does it take for an individual human being to be a good person. (Barnes, 1995; Lord, 1984) All individual beings act because it is what makes them happy even if it hurts other people. As such, some ethical standards regard an act which may be unethical as something good because it gives happiness to the person. Suffice it to say, we are guided in life by our natural preference for engaging in pleasant activities rather than in unpleasant ones which may turn out to be good. According to Aristotle, ethical living involves the pursuit of true happiness. This form of happiness is not the kind where it gives pleasure because this is incomplete. We will write a custom essay sample on Plato and the Cave or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now Aristotle advocates contemplation as the highest form of happiness because pursuit of such would bring a person most near to divine blessedness while realizing all of the genuine human virtues as well. (Poe, 1965) With regards to the pursuit of happiness of civilized communities, such would be necessary for a life worth living. More importantly, however, is what for of happiness should be pursued. In line with Aristotle, happiness can be obtained by pursuit of virtues because only thru this can we be worry free. For example, when we steal something that we have been craving to have such as electronic device, we become worried about the repercussions of such actions. However, if we stay honest and true, we feel a sense of fulfillment engulfing us rather than troubling us. Aeneas on the Meaning of Devotion Devotion to duty was the defining and most remarkable aspect of the character Aeneas in Virgil’s The Aeneid. If we are to analyze why Aeneas never wavered in his trust in his destiny, we have to acknowledge that in the story, he was to found the city of Rome where other Trojan survivors were to build and start a new life once again. Knowing this, we can find the source of Aeneas persistent adherence to his destiny from his concern of the welfare of the collective and fraternal love. Love and loyalty was characteristic of Aeneas and other Trojans.