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Good Life

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Good Life

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Good Life

OVERVIEW
In Ancient Greece, understanding oneself and the
meaning of a good life was essential for
comprehending reality. Plato emphasized that to grasp
reality, one must uncover their soul's desires. Aristotle
differentiated between theoretical and practical
sciences, stating that their aims are "truth" and
"good," respectively. He argued that finding the truth
about what is good is necessary before one can
identify what is truly good.
Introduction
The concept of a "good life" varies from person to
person; for some, it may mean wealth, while for
others, it could be a happy family, recognition, or a
fulfilled life. Although many philosophers over the
centuries, including Plato, Aristotle, Kant, and
Nietzsche, may appear detached from earthly
desires, they actually centered their philosophies
around the understanding of what constitutes a
good life.
Great Philosophers and
Their Definition of
Good Life
PLATO
Plato asserted that "the unexamined life is not
worth living," emphasizing the importance of
self-reflection and reason. Along with his
mentor Socrates, he defined the good life as
one characterized by self-mastery through
rationality and a commitment to civic duty.
They believed that individuals should control
their passions and work towards the stability of
their communities. Additionally, Plato
distinguished between two aspects of reality:
the world of matter, which is changing and
impermanent, and the world of forms, which
consists of unchanging.
ARISTOTLE
Aristotle disagreed with Plato's idea of a reality
beyond sensory perception. He argued that true
understanding comes from observing the
external world, acknowledging that change is a
fundamental aspect of existence. According to
Aristotle, every individual aspires to achieve an
ultimate goal, which he defines as happiness or
human flourishing. He believed that this desire
for happiness is universal, transcending
differences such as gender, age, or
socioeconomic status. Aristotle posited that
happiness is the ultimate purpose behind all
human actions.
EMMANUEL KANT
Immanuel Kant defines happiness as
"continuous well-being, enjoyment of life, and
complete satisfaction with one's condition." He
equates a person's preservation and welfare
with their happiness. In his work, Critique of
Practical Reason, Kant describes happiness as
the state of a rational being whose existence
aligns with their wishes and desires. He
distinguishes happiness from pleasure, stating
that it is not about the joyful feelings that come
from living a moral life; rather, happiness
simply involves achieving one's wants.
FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE

Friedrich Nietzsche believes that the best way


to affirm life is through the pursuit of individual
excellence, which he associates with an
idealized aristocracy. He rejects traditional
morality and does not aim to establish universal
moral laws, but instead seeks to challenge and
undermine confidence in such concepts.
Nietzsche encourages individuals to think for
themselves and to embrace their fate—
acknowledging that every experience, whether
good or bad, shapes who they are and their
current circumstances.
5 Goals of Good life
1. Materialism:
This perspective views material
wealth as the primary source of
meaning in life, suggesting that
financial success and possessions
contribute significantly to one’s
happiness and fulfillment.
2. Hedonism:
This philosophy emphasizes the
pursuit of pleasure and the
indulgence in enjoyable
experiences, stemming from the
belief that life is limited and should
be enjoyed to the fullest.
3. Stoicism:
According to Stoicism, true
happiness is achieved through the
practice of apathy, which involves
cultivating a sense of emotional
detachment and resilience in the
face of life's challenges.
4. Theism:
This viewpoint holds that ultimate
happiness comes from a
relationship with God, emphasizing
the importance of communion and
service to God while awaiting
spiritual fulfillment.
5. Humanism
: Humanism promotes the idea that
individuals are the architects of
their own lives, focusing on self-
improvement and the betterment
of society.
What is the ultimate goal of a good life?
"Aristotle was the originator of the concept of
eudaimonia (from daimon true nature). He deemed
happiness to be a vulgar idea, stressing that not all
desires are worth pursuing as, even though some of
them may yield pleasure, they would not produce
wellness. Aristotle thought that true happiness is
found by leading a virtuous life and doing what is
worth doing. He argued that realizing human potential
is the ultimate human goal" (Boniwell 2008).
What is the role of Science and Technology in
achieving good life?
Vergragt (2006) asserts that technology can support a sustainable
good life for all without harming the environment or future
generations. Stutz (2006) adds that a good life involves meeting
basic human needs and fulfilling aspirations for freedom,
belonging, and self-realization. The impact of technological
innovation can be positive or negative, depending on how it is
guided by human choices and societal institutions. Technology has
transformed communication, enabling instant connections across
the globe through social media. It has also allowed for alterations
in personal identity and sexuality through medical advancements.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of technology in achieving a good life
depends on the choices we make regarding its use and the ethical
balance we maintain.
See
you
next
lesson

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