ipl-logo

Ethical Theory Of Well-Being Essay

1819 Words8 Pages

ABSTRACT
In the philosophical world as well as in discussions of public policy, happiness is sometimes recognized with well-being. More often, however, happiness is seen as a long-term emotional state of fulfillment, and well-being. This paper is divided into two parts. First I outline and describe the objective list theory of well-being “Virtue Ethics”. I then go on to look at the motivations for holding such a view before turning to objections to this theory.
INTRODUCTION
Well-being concerns with what is good for or benefits individuals, what is in their self-interest and makes life go well for them. In practice, people use this concept to evaluate their lives, make plans for their futures, and decide how to help others. Well-being also figures in most moral theories as something to be safeguarded and promoted. The goal of this introduction is to provide an accurate explanation of the objective list theory of well-being “Virtue Ethics” along with its associated concepts while providing an analysis of its strengths against competing theories and objections. Also, to demonstrate how Aristotle 's view …show more content…

Virtue ethics seems to be essentially interested in the acquisition of the virtues as part of the agent 's own well-being and flourishing. Morality requires us to consider others for their own sake and not because they may benefit us. However I believe that Virtues allow people to perform his or her function excellently; when people perform his or her function excellently, people reach eudaimonia. Since eudaimonia is the greatest good, reaching it makes one a good person. This both benefits people and makes them good. Hursthouse emphasizes that this approach is not in conflict with self-interest. Instead, the virtues are constitutive of a good life. They help people lead the best life and become the best they can

Show More
Related

  • Analysis Of An Article By Kwame Anthony Appiah

    503 Words  | 3 Pages

    I really like this article, and agree with most of his point. One of the quote in the article that like the most is when the author says, “a life that exhibities the virtues is for that very reason a better life: not because the act of virtuous have good consequences;” I agree with this quote because people are more likely have different attitude in different situation. The way we act, we think and do what we do is more depend on the norms rather than the compassion in our heart. We do something good by helping people out is the thing that we feel like we want to do. When we try to help someone who needs us; we will automatically feel happy in our heart.

    Read More

  • The Pursuit Of Happiness In Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics

    1642 Words  | 7 Pages

    The main topic of Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics is eudaimonia, i.e. happiness in the “living well” or “flourishing” sense (terms I will be using interchangeably). In this paper, I will present Aristotle’s view on the role of external goods and fortune for the achievement of happiness. I will argue that he considers them a prerequisite for virtue. Their contribution to happiness is indirect, via the way they affect how we can engage in rational activity according to the relevant virtues. I will then object that this view threatens to make his overall account of happiness incoherent.

    Read More

  • Aristotle: Justice And Happiness

    1108 Words  | 5 Pages

    Philosophers have debated the distinct subjects such as justice and happiness extensively. For instance, Plato discusses the subject of justice by arguing that justice is what allows people to live excellently. In contrast, Aristotle discusses happiness by arguing that acquiring virtues enables people to achieve the ultimate goal of happiness. What is the meaning of the terms justice and happiness? The term happiness could be elucidated as a satisfaction from goals achieved or from one’s status.

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics

    1025 Words  | 5 Pages

    Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics begins by exploring ‘the good’. Book I argues that, unlike other goods, “happiness appears to be something complete and self-sufficient, and is, therefore, the end of actions” (10:1097b20-21). In other words, happiness is the ultimate good. But how does one achieve happiness? Aristotle formulates this in the context of work, since for all things, from artists to horses, “the good and the doing it well seem to be in the work” (10:1097b27-28).

    Read More

  • Similarities Between Aristotle And Utilitarianism

    1413 Words  | 6 Pages

    It is critical to recognize Mill’s argument that a degree of contentment can exist in periods of less happiness. However, Aristotle’s view of perceiving wellbeing or goodness as ultimate is more pronounced. Worth emphasizing, Aristotle deeply explores his arguments basing them on functions of a rational man and virtues out of habits. Today, a virtuous citizen is one whose actions are inward, in response to conscience and moral obligations as a member of society. Such a person, not waivered with intensities of pleasures, honor, and wealth but seeks to have a satisfactory level of happiness with friends, co-workers, and family among other

    Read More

  • Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Argument

    1210 Words  | 5 Pages

    Thus, when human function is done well, it is in accordance with virtue and best human life is achieved. In addition, it can be inferred that since Aristotle’s definition of happiness is to be virtuous, performing rational activity well can lead to happiness. In addition, Aristotle states, “if there are more than one virtue, in accordance with the best and most complete” (1098a18). This means that eventually there will be one virtue that is inclusive of all virtue and that displays an end, and this virtue will be in line with the self-sufficient and inclusive concept of happiness as the chief good. If this inclusive virtue and good is achieved, ultimate happiness will be achieved as well.

    Read More

  • Good Life Research Paper

    1002 Words  | 5 Pages

    On the contrary, the acquisition of a good life should rather focus on achievement of an overall balance between an individual with the surrounding world, with practice of fostering good relationships with others and self cognition. The positive development of psychological wellbeing therefore will lead to enduring happiness, which is the ideal outcome of a good

    Read More

  • Non Relative Approach To Virtue Ethics

    1889 Words  | 8 Pages

    The relativist’s objection Aristotle’s writings are the best prototype of virtue ethics. Contemporary virtue theories do not grasp nor represents the Aristotelian theory, because they think that it is impossible to escape the charge of relativism in virtue ethics. According to the relativist approach, ethical goodness is relative to each society depending on its traditions and practices. It is thought that virtue can only be outlined locally with reference to a single locale. Relativists reject the idea that there is a general rule, based on specific virtuous actions, that leads to the good life i.e. they reject that there is a single virtue (or norm of flourishing life) that is able to flourish the life of all human beings.

    Read More

  • Virtue Ethics Subjective

    1163 Words  | 5 Pages

    It allows for people to actively seek out the things which they admire in those around them, and it makes them look for the good in each other. It is based on people learning from each other and and each other’s mistakes. Virtue ethics encourages people to self reflect on their lives. Look around themselves and list out the thing that like about those around them and list out the things that they do not like as well. Look at that list and see how many of those they are doing, adopt the good and and let go of the bad.

    Read More

  • Happiness In Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics

    1087 Words  | 5 Pages

    In Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, the concept of happiness is introduced as the ultimate good one can achieve in life as well as the ultimate goal of human existence. As Aristotle goes on to further define happiness, one can see that his concept is much different from the 21st-century view. Aristotelian happiness can be achieved through choosing to live the contemplative life, which would naturally encompass moralistic virtue. This differs significantly from the modern view of happiness, which is heavily reliant on material goods. To a person in the 21st-century, happiness is simply an emotional byproduct one experiences as a result of acquiring material goods.

    Read More

  • Martin Seligman's Positive Psychology Fun Vs. Philanthropy

    1517 Words  | 7 Pages

    Martin Seligman’s Positive Psychology Fun versus Philanthropy reflective essay Introduction: In this reflective essay, a number of aspects of happiness and well-being, as well as questions relating to Martin Seligman’s task. Firstly, an explanations of the doctrine will be examined. Then, the relation between fun and the philanthropy will be discussed. To sum up, the question whether happiness is everything.

    Read More

  • Virtue Theory In Business Ethics

    958 Words  | 4 Pages

    The virtue theory, which pursues virtuous principles, strategies and actions, can lead companies to understand their values, including mission, purpose, profit potential and other objectives. Virtuous employees tend to perform their roles consistently and competently in the direction of the company's goals. Virtues are the kind of thing you allow someone to take action to appreciate. Business people increase their likelihood of reaching their values and goals when they reach Objectivist virtues. Virtues emphasize the importance of each employee's valuable contribution.

    Read More

  • Similarities Between Aristotle And Martin Seligman

    908 Words  | 4 Pages

    At the end of everyone’s lives, the goal appears to be about attaining happiness. Describing how to obtain happiness has been an issue that was debated in the past but is still talked about now . In Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle expands on his view of happiness and he focuses particularly on how reason helps recognize and pursue what will lead to happiness and the good life. I feel that Aristotle’s philosophies on happiness are important works within the field of philosophy and he considered one of the………of it . In this paper, I will explore Aristotle’s beliefs regarding happiness then compare and contrast them to those of Martin Seligman.

    Read More

  • Examples Of Virtues In Living A Good Life

    749 Words  | 3 Pages

    Essential Virtues: Achieving a Good Life Man has always sought after what he deemed a “good life”. A good life is being able to achieve one’s goals, pursuit of happiness, or when life’s blessings outweigh the burdens. Virtues help guide one to become morally excellent and live a fulfilling life. A virtue can be a behavior, personality trait, or habit that affects one’s emotions, perceptions and choice in life.

    Read More

  • Aristotle Good Life Analysis

    1839 Words  | 8 Pages

    In this essay, I will be discussing Aristotle’s conception of the “good life” which he outlined in the Nicomachean Ethics. As we will see, the “good life” for man according to Aristotle is one where we perform the particular activity which is distinctly ours and guides us towards eudaimonia – sometimes translated as ‘happiness’ or ‘well-being’. He shows us how the other conflicting depictions of the ‘good life’ are misguided, and how we should aim for a life of reason. First, however, I will discuss briefly what Aristotle meant by the term ‘good’ and then move on to how he arrived at the conclusion on human happiness. Aristotle believes that the ‘good life’ for a particular organism depends on what that organism is and the conditions it requires

    Read More

More about Ethical Theory Of Well-Being Essay

Open Document