Have you ever wondered what the purpose of being human is? What makes us different from other creatures in the universe?
According to ancient philosopher Aristotle, the answer lies in our function. Everything in the universe has a function, and for humans, it is connected to our happiness.
But what exactly is this function?
In this article, we will explore Aristotle’s perspective on the essence of being human and how fulfilling our function can lead to a happy life.
Join us as we delve into the philosophy of one of the greatest thinkers in history.
What Is The Function Of Human Beings For Aristotle
For Aristotle, the function of human beings is rational activity. This means that our purpose is to engage in thoughtful and deliberate decision-making, using our reason to guide our actions.
But this function is not just about making any decisions – it is about making virtuous decisions. Aristotle believed that virtue was the key to a happy life, and that our function as humans was to live in accordance with these virtues.
So what are these virtues? Aristotle identified several, including courage, justice, wisdom, and temperance. These virtues are not innate – they must be developed through practice and habituation.
By cultivating these virtues and making virtuous decisions, we fulfill our function as human beings and live a happy life.
Aristotle’s View On The Function Of Human Beings
Aristotle’s view on the function of human beings is rooted in his belief that every object has a final cause or purpose, which he referred to as telos. He believed that the telos of a human being is rational activity, which involves using our reason to make thoughtful and deliberate decisions.
However, Aristotle’s concept of rational activity is not limited to just any decision-making. He believed that our decisions must be guided by virtues, such as courage, justice, wisdom, and temperance. These virtues are not innate but must be developed through practice and habituation.
Aristotle believed that fulfilling our function as human beings requires us to cultivate these virtues and make virtuous decisions. By doing so, we can live a happy life and achieve eudaimonia, which he defined as the supreme end of action and the perfect and self-sufficient end of man.
The Connection Between Human Function And Happiness
According to Aristotle, the connection between human function and happiness is that fulfilling our function as rational beings through virtuous actions leads to a happy life. Happiness, for Aristotle, is not just a fleeting emotion or pleasure, but rather a state of being that is achieved through living in accordance with our purpose as humans.
By engaging in rational activity and making virtuous decisions, we fulfill our function as human beings and achieve eudaimonia – a term that Aristotle used to describe the ultimate goal of human life. This eudaimonia is not just a personal achievement, but rather a way of living that contributes to the greater good of society.
Aristotle believed that happiness was not just a matter of luck or circumstance, but rather something that could be cultivated through deliberate action. By developing virtues such as courage, justice, wisdom, and temperance, we become better equipped to make virtuous decisions and live a happy life.
How Fulfilling Our Function Can Lead To A Happy Life
Fulfilling our function as human beings, which is rational activity in accordance with virtue, can lead to a happy life according to Aristotle. This is because living in accordance with virtue allows us to lead a life of excellence and fulfillment.
When we make virtuous decisions, we are not only doing what is right, but we are also living up to our potential as human beings. This gives us a sense of purpose and meaning in life, which is essential for happiness.
Furthermore, Aristotle believed that living in accordance with virtue required balance and moderation. This is where the concept of the Golden Mean comes in – the idea that the virtuous path lies between two extremes.
For example, courage lies between cowardice and recklessness, while temperance lies between indulgence and abstinence. By finding this balance in our actions, we can cultivate these virtues and live a happy life.
In addition, Aristotle also emphasized the importance of friendship in achieving happiness. Friendships based on mutual respect and shared virtues can provide us with support and companionship on our journey towards living a virtuous life.
The Importance Of Understanding Our Function As Humans
Understanding our function as humans, according to Aristotle, is crucial for living a fulfilling life. By recognizing that our purpose is to engage in rational activity and make virtuous decisions, we can strive towards achieving happiness and fulfillment.
Furthermore, understanding our function as humans can also help us navigate ethical dilemmas and make decisions that align with our values. By prioritizing virtues such as justice and courage, we can make decisions that benefit not only ourselves but also those around us.
In addition, recognizing our function as humans can also help us develop a sense of purpose and direction in life. By striving towards fulfilling our function, we can work towards achieving our goals and making a meaningful impact on the world.
Applying Aristotle’s Philosophy In Modern Times
Aristotle’s philosophy of the function of human beings as rational activity and virtuous decision-making is still relevant in modern times. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with information and faced with complex decisions, Aristotle’s emphasis on using reason to guide our actions can help us navigate through life.
Moreover, Aristotle’s focus on cultivating virtues is particularly important in today’s society, where there is often a lack of emphasis on character development. By practicing virtues such as courage, justice, wisdom, and temperance, we can not only lead a fulfilling life but also contribute to the betterment of society.
Furthermore, Aristotle’s ideas on habituation can be applied to modern-day self-improvement. By consciously practicing virtuous behavior, we can form habits that lead to a more fulfilling life. This can be seen in practices such as mindfulness meditation or daily journaling, which aim to cultivate positive habits and behaviors.
In conclusion, Aristotle’s philosophy of the function of human beings as rational activity and virtuous decision-making is still applicable in modern times. By focusing on cultivating virtues and habituation, we can lead a fulfilling life and contribute to the betterment of society.
