State And Evaluate Aristotles Function Philosophy Essay

State And Evaluate Aristotles Function Philosophy Essay In Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle claims that to discover the human good we must identify the function of a human being. I will first explain this idea of Aristotles known as the function argument. He argues that the human function is rational activity. Our good is therefore rational activity performed well, which Aristotle takes to mean in accordance with virtue. I will then evaluate how Aristotles function argument has a great degree of relevance to Platos perception of happiness in the Republic. After Socrates tries to establish that the just life is the happiest and best, Plato Aristotles function argument is defined in book one of his book Nimoachean Ethics. The purpose of the book is to discover the human good, identified as happiness, at which we ought to aim in life. Aristotle tells us that everyone refers to this eudaimonia (happiness), but that people disagree about what it consists in (1.4 1095b). In 1.6, Aristotle suggests that we might arrive at a clearer conception of happiness if we first determine the ergon (function) of a human being (1.7 1097b). The explanation for this line of inquiry is that for all things that have a function or activity, the good and the well is thought to reside in the function (1.6 1097b). He presents the example of a flute player in the book to explain what he means by the function resides within the object conducting the activity. In order for one to be a flute player, one must know how to play the flute. Similarly, for one to be happy, happiness must exist within oneself. He also acknowledges that the human is a varia tion of the function, because the function of any task is absolute and perfect within itself. This concept can be further clarified using the example of the flute, there is an absolute and perfect way to play the flute, one of which we are incapable, therefore we play a slightly altered way, but it is still similar enough to its function form that we still consider the activity as playing the flute. The argument that follows establishes that human function is an active life of the element that has a rational principle (1.7 1098a). By this Aristotle means every action has a purpose for the sake of which others are done (1.7 1098a). The flute is played to create music, medicine is practiced to cure, and like this, every task has its purpose. Therefore, happiness is the activity of the rational part of the soul and in accordance with virtue (1.7 1098a). Any function that has a rational principle must therefore be a rational part of the soul, and because we live life seeking to find hap piness, happiness is a rational part of the soul making it a virtue. Aristotle defines virtue as a balance point between a deficiency and an excess of a trait. The point of greatest virtue lies not in the exact middle, but at a golden mean which is sometimes closer to one extreme than the other. For example, courage is the mean between cowardice and foolhardiness, confidence the mean between self-deprecation and vanity, and generosity the mean between miserliness and extravagance. Finding the golden mean requires common-sense, not necessarily high intelligence. Aristotle views virtue as an excellence at being human, a skill that helps a person survive, thrive, form meaningful relationships, and find happiness (CITATION). He also states that virtues are initially difficult, but become easier with practice and eventually become habit. Aristotles function argument, is a descendant of one offered by Plato at the end of the  ¬Ã‚ rst book of the Republic (Republic 352d-354b). Socrates tries establish that the just life is happiest and best, and he argues as follows. First of all, each thing has a function, which is what one can do only or best with that thing (R 352e). Furthermore, everything that has a function has a virtue, which enables it to perform its function well (R 352b-c). The function of the soul is taking care of things, ruling, deliberating, and the like, since these are activities you could not perform with anything except your soul. A few lines later Socrates also proposes that living is a function of the soul (R 353d). Since the soul only performs its function well if it has the virtue associated with its function, a good soul rules, takes care of things, and in general lives well, while a bad soul does all this badly (R 353e). Since earlier arguments have supposedly established that justice is the virtue of the soul, Plato concludes that the just soul lives well, and therefore is blessed and happy, while an unjust one lives badly and so is wretched. Both versions of the argument seem to depend on a connection between being a good person and having a good or happy life, and their aim is to connect both of these in turn to rationality. Aristotles version of the argument in particular has provoked a great deal of criticism, some of which I describe in the next section. In this essay, I offer an account of what Aristotle means by function and what the human function is, drawing on Aristotles metaphysical and psychological writings. I then reconstruct Aristotles argument in terms of the results. My purpose is to defend the function argument, and to show that when it is properly understood, it is possible to answer many of the objections that have been raised to it. For reasons I will explain below, I think it is essential to make good sense of the function argument, because the theoretical structure of the Nicomachean Ethics collapses without it. Part of the defense is conditional, and shows only that if one held Aristotles metaphysical beliefs, the function argument would seem as natural and obvious as it clearly seemed to him. But part of it is intended to be unconditional, and to show that, gien certain assumptions about reason and virtue, which, if not obvious, are certainly not crazy, the function argument is a good way to approach the question how to live well. The major differences that can be seen between these two arguments are seen when we examine the goals of both Plato and Aristotle. Plato has two main goals behind his argument, the first is to refute the position that injustice is better than justice. Secondly, his human function argument helps to set up the idea of his model cities, in which each person has a function and the city is virtuous when everyone performs their own function. Aristotle is examining happiness as the ultimate end and is searching for ways to get to that end. Thus, by proving that this good is found in the expression of reason, Aristotle is able to prescribe a path to happiness. If one fulfills ones function, expression of reason, and does so in an excellent manner, one will necessarily attain happiness. Another way in which the two arguments differ is on their actual conceptualization of what the human function is. For Plato, the human function is defined as deliberation, ruling, living and taking care of things. This differs greatly from Aristotle idea of the human function which is, to perform activities that express reason. Not only are these two definitions very different, but they illustrate the chasm between the ways that each philosopher is thinking of the concept of a human function. Plato thinks of it in terms of the persons place in society. His ideas of ruling, deliberatingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦etc pertain to the community in which one lives, and ones relation to it. Aristotle approaches the problem from a much more individualistic point of view. Expressing reason in ones action does not have anything to do with a relationship with other people or a community, but relates only to the individual. In conclusion, the biggest difference between Platos argument and Aristotles is their conceptualization of the concept of the human function. Also, their goals are vastly different. Plato uses his argument to refute those who would argue that injustice is beneficial and to set up his model city, in which virtue for the city is derived from each person fulfilling their function. Aristotle, on the other hand, uses his argument to directly set up a method for achieving the ultimate good.

Eminem - AKA Marshall Mathers :: essays research papers fc

Eminem, born as Marshall Mathers, has proven that with a lot of desire, drive and dedication, anybody can accomplish even their greatest of goals. Eminem was raised in the ghettos of East Detroit. He was bullied and victimized by other students in school. He worked to achieve his goal, against the odds. As a result, what he has become is one of America's most popular and successful music artists. Marshall "Eminem" Mathers was born on October 17, 1974, in Detroit, Michigan. After moving to Kansas, he and his family returned to Detroit and settled in a Black neighborhood. Records show that Marshall, while in school, was attacked and beaten by school bullies, on numerous occasions. On two occasions, Marshall was beaten into unconsciousness. Eminem's rap song "Brain Damage" is a true story of when a bully hit Marshall on the head and knocked him unconscious on the school playground. His ear began bleeding and he was hospitalized. It was discovered that he had a brain hemorrhage. He was in and out of consciousness for five days. (Rolling Stone) For Marshall, the road to success was long and hard. Marshall began rapping in 1990 at the "Hip Hop Shop" where he would participate in rap battles. On December 25, 1995 Eminem's girl friend, now wife, Kimberly Scott gave birth to his daughter, Haile. Eminem continued rapping and worked at a family restaurant in Detroit. Eminem, Kim and Haile lived in a crack-infested neighborhood where stray bullets and residential burglaries occurred often. In 1997 Eminem became unemployed, had no high school diploma and couldn't afford to support his family. He was tired of not having a record deal. He considered giving up rap. He decided to record the "Slim Shady EP" as his last hope to make it. His last attempt landed him a deal with Interscope Records and the next year, in 1998, with Dr. Dre's Aftermath label. On February 23, 1999 Eminem's "The Slim Shady LP" was released. The LP went triple platinum. Later he went on to win two Grammies. One for best rap solo performance ("My Name Is"), and another for best rap album ("The Slim Shady LP"). On May 23, 2000 Eminem released his second full-length album, "The Marshall Mathers LP". The second LP sold 1. Eminem - AKA Marshall Mathers :: essays research papers fc Eminem, born as Marshall Mathers, has proven that with a lot of desire, drive and dedication, anybody can accomplish even their greatest of goals. Eminem was raised in the ghettos of East Detroit. He was bullied and victimized by other students in school. He worked to achieve his goal, against the odds. As a result, what he has become is one of America's most popular and successful music artists. Marshall "Eminem" Mathers was born on October 17, 1974, in Detroit, Michigan. After moving to Kansas, he and his family returned to Detroit and settled in a Black neighborhood. Records show that Marshall, while in school, was attacked and beaten by school bullies, on numerous occasions. On two occasions, Marshall was beaten into unconsciousness. Eminem's rap song "Brain Damage" is a true story of when a bully hit Marshall on the head and knocked him unconscious on the school playground. His ear began bleeding and he was hospitalized. It was discovered that he had a brain hemorrhage. He was in and out of consciousness for five days. (Rolling Stone) For Marshall, the road to success was long and hard. Marshall began rapping in 1990 at the "Hip Hop Shop" where he would participate in rap battles. On December 25, 1995 Eminem's girl friend, now wife, Kimberly Scott gave birth to his daughter, Haile. Eminem continued rapping and worked at a family restaurant in Detroit. Eminem, Kim and Haile lived in a crack-infested neighborhood where stray bullets and residential burglaries occurred often. In 1997 Eminem became unemployed, had no high school diploma and couldn't afford to support his family. He was tired of not having a record deal. He considered giving up rap. He decided to record the "Slim Shady EP" as his last hope to make it. His last attempt landed him a deal with Interscope Records and the next year, in 1998, with Dr. Dre's Aftermath label. On February 23, 1999 Eminem's "The Slim Shady LP" was released. The LP went triple platinum. Later he went on to win two Grammies. One for best rap solo performance ("My Name Is"), and another for best rap album ("The Slim Shady LP"). On May 23, 2000 Eminem released his second full-length album, "The Marshall Mathers LP". The second LP sold 1.

Leadership Determines a Country

Claudia Ramirez Parrow Ap Euro P. 4 16 March 2013 Claudia Ramirez Parrow Ap Euro P. 4 16 March 2013 A country needs leadership in order to be successful and to keep peace in order. Some leaders take different routes in which they think would be the most successful for their country. However, one must keep in mind that a state will be affected by the leaders choices and actions. It has been stated that, â€Å" Leadership determines the fate of a country. † Spain has dealt with the outcomes of Phillip II leadership tactics.Phillip II inherited Spain, the Low Countries from his father Charles V. Phillips leadership determine the fate of Spain with being his orders he sent out to his people. He wanted to wipe out Protestantism and this led to his sister’s introduction to inquisition. Making the country more heavily taxed, a country with always be effected by their leaders decisions whether it be positive or negative. a countries people will live and participate in social ac tivity in a way that has been accustomed by its leader.The Spanish generals could not halt the fighting when Phillip sent twenty thousand Spanish troops under the duke of Alva to pacify the Low Countries. â€Å"pacification† meant the ruthless extermination of religious and political dissidents. After burying his fourth wife, he began to build a stronger devotion to religion for political help. He was completely inflexible, making the lives of his people harder. He differed little from the protestant reformers. He ruled the first global empire, making his focus and attention on maintaining that empire instead of the people in his country.In seventeenth century Spain, memory of the loss of the Spanish armada contributed to a spirit of defeatism. The political religious situation in central Europe deteriorated. Phillips authority affected the fate of Spain, by his main focuses and war like decisions. With being under his rule, Spain reached its height of power and influence, di recting explorations all around the world and settling the colonization of territories in all the known continents.

Relation between Economics and Law

Relation between Economics and Law The study of Law without the knowledge of other related social sciences i.e., Political theory, Sociology and Economics, etc, is incomplete. In any law curriculum the study of Economics and Law and their interaction is increasingly found necessary.As Law influence Economics, Economics also influence Law. As a matter of fact Economics forms the basis of the study of Law. Economics reflects the socio-economic ethos of the country in particular and world in general. It becomes out of date and misleading if the Economic ethos change. But it was proved to be wrong by Dalton. The organisation, industrial structure and performance have changed in the thirty years. E.g.: policy goals, policy instrument, Economic institutions.Economics derives its aims and objectives from the study of man and must derive at least a large part of its methodology from a study of Nature. Legal Economics is a vital part in understanding the interactional dimension of Law and Economics, i.e.,Economics Q & A, IVhow modern Economics can be used to illuminate a number of legal problems. It is not sufficiently realised that the economic analysis can aid our understanding of the Law and how economic factors limit and shape the operation of crime control and legal systems. Economic considerations have varied and widespread effects on the costs and benefits that prospective offenders may expect from crime, on decisions to litigate or to settle out to court, on the significance of legal costs the practical problems of legal administration and the provision of legal services. Law and legal policy help to determine the behaviour of the economy. There are extensive legal constraints on the allocation and the distribution of resources and on labour and housing markets.The social functions of Law are broadly classified into three:(1) Encouraging good behaviour and discouraging bad behaviour.(2) Facilitating the...

Essay Sample on the Role of Black Citizens in Elections

Essay Sample on the Role of Black Citizens in Elections Blacks or African Americans have gone a long way since the slave trading days, pre-civil war. They have successfully re-invented themselves into productive and rightful citizens of the United States. They were given right to vote and the Blacks history against Republican candidates became a tool that Democrats took advantage of in balancing the political power, by using Black votes, which composed a whooping 15% of the voting populace, against the Republicans. As stated by Walters, Black presence has often been decisive in determining the outcome of presidential elections (Walters, 1). However, even though Blacks were given such freedom to exercise their voting prowess, they are still considered a minority and don’t hold any important representations. They are merely used as tools, a strategic ploy by the Democrats to attract more votes and win more points through the support of the Black citizens over their rivals, the conservative Republicans. The cost of social (permanent racial minority) status based upon an imperfect social contract for Blacks is that rarely has it been possible to participate in crucial decisions such as the selection of national leadership in a manner which reflects the interests of Black (interests defined here as both racial preference and race-related issue preference) through what is called sincere or straightforward voting (Walters, 3). In addition, racism still plays an important role in determining whether American citizens are ready to accept a Black President. This matter can be traced back to the pre-civil war roots and although Blacks were given freedom, they are not yet free enough to take over or make a crucial point in US Presidential Elections. If you need custom essays, research papers, thesis papers, dissertations or term papers on Politics or other discipline feel free to contact our professional custom writing service.

Action since Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Action since - Essay Example His involvement reflected his keen interest in the company and with his work. He also wanted a safe working environment for his co-workers which show his interest in safeguarding the security rights for his employee workers. Soon, he realized that the safety plan occurs only on papers as he never saw the plan being implemented in a thorough manner. This made Gordon realized that he is just a low level employee. It has been evidently clear that the company is a growth-oriented company which has proven its image as a productive and as a most profitable one. For the company, other issues were not as important as they should be until they start hindering the profits or the provoked legal consequences. There was no authentic and working employee security memo which showed the lack of interest from company’s behalf for its employees. Gil, the VP of engineering has also played a key role in this case study. He can be referred as a dictatorial manager. He is very committed towards fulfilling his goals. Gil was known for his compassion, dedication and utmost involvement with his work. He is also known for reducing the 40 percent of the employees from the company’s new plant established in Arizona. He knows no emotions and feelings while working; in fact, he prefers the work in first place. The key differences in the personalities of Gil and Gordon and the organizational setup of the c ompany were the root-cause of the problem that emerged on the surface. The difference of organizational culture that Gordon felt between his new company and the Pacific Bell. The company did not provide any assistance to the employees for their personal development. Gordon also had differences with the key senior management personnel such as Gil. The dictatorial management style of Gil. His behavior and management style was one of the problems that stirred tension in the company and de-motivated his employees. To deal with the

Modernism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Modernism - Essay Example Most modern homes had sliding doors, open floor plans, innovative design, and they were all built using the angular shapes. These modern houses are completely different from the previous houses that were built in ranches (Quinn 176). The main idea behind these designs developed because of modernism was to develop a modern outstanding architecture that did not present anything in the past. Evidently most of the constructions are a complete change from the past. Quinn says that these modern designs reflected modern social way of life in that the structures attempted to interlock the environment outside with internal living area (176). The use of glass walls made people get in contact with their natural environment. The use of open floors integrated their living experience with modernity during that time. Large spaces in the houses were to be used for various purposes within the residents. Architects during this time were in a position to use different techniques and materials when doing their constructions. Use of natural lights was very important during this time and most houses were built with the aim of allowing the penetration of natural lights in the homes (Quinn 176). Most of these modern homes were furnished using devices and domestic device ranged from roast collections, broilers, toasters, bicycles, mix masters for every member of the family, to storage rooms for all these equipment. The leading principle in the mid-century modern designs was production with conceptual creativity that was achievable through natural objects within the environments (Quinn 176). Therefore, the following are the major characteristics of mid-century modern designs; the utilization of steel, huge flat windowpanes, clerestory frames, decorative curtains, cantilevered rooftops, flat ridges, flat rooms, influence from Japan, half-done walls, assembled block, and amalgamation with