Society as a whole is one that is often studied in a number of different ways. Since the beginning of our existence, philosophers and psychologist alike have been identifying what it is that causes our minds to determine what it is to be appropriate in our actions. Often our social interactions as well as our specific genetic structure influence the type of person we become. Our moral and intellectual virtues are the foundation of our decision making process. The developments of these given and learned virtues are most often the drivers we fall on in order to define our path towards happiness. Through a more specific understanding of these virtues of Aristotle, we can identify how society impacts our character as we develop into social …show more content…
Our friendships that we poses often determine the type of character we develop based on going through similar habits of decision making. Through friendship we can build a level of virtue of what we will do for others and how we will share our lives with those around us. This moral virtue helps determine how we will act when faced with an issue from others. If someone is in a state where they need help, character shapes what we will do for them. Will we be the brave one to rush into a burning building to save another life? Will we share our food in a time when others are around or save it for ourselves when we are alone because we don’t want them to know just how good it is? What others do for us through a true friendship will often determine the virtues of our own …show more content…
Whether that person is known for doing well for others or as one that has accomplished greatness on their own, legacy is what we will be known for. Is that legacy the ultimate end that we are all seeking? Probably not, most of us go through life seeking the best we can and enjoying those rewards on a daily basis. Enjoying and building friendships is a foundation of life to help propel our decision making and eventually our place within society. It is ultimately the combined effort of both our intellectual and moral virtues that will propel an individual to the highest level of
To begin with, according to Lucius Annaeus Seneca, “One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood”. Even this quote explains that true friendship is when an individual stands for another individual. In the novel Of Mice and Men, author John Steinbeck examine the idea of friendship between two migrant ranch worker even when there was difficulties. Through the character of Slim and George, author Steinbeck illustrates friendship and reveals that friendships stand up for each other even when is difficult time.
friendship that it is so valuable? And, more specifically, how does this truth fit with
Virtue ethics is a moral theory that was first developed by Aristotle. It suggests that humans are able to train their characters to acquire and exhibit particular virtues. As the individual has trained themselves to develop these virtues, in any given situation they are able to know the right thing to do. If everybody in society is able to do the same and develop these virtues, then a perfect community has been reached. In this essay, I shall argue that Aristotelian virtue ethics is an unsuccessful moral theory. Firstly, I shall analyse Aristotelian virtue ethics. I shall then consider various objections to Aristotle’s theory and evaluate his position by examining possible responses to these criticisms. I shall then conclude, showing why Aristotelian virtue ethics is an unpractical and thus an unsuccessful moral theory in reality.
Aristotle believes that everyone is in need of some type of friend, he states that “for rich people and those who rule and have power, there seems to be the greatest need for friends.”(page. 144, book VIII) Aristotle believes that we as humans benefit greatly from having friends, no matter who we are or what position we are in wealthy or poor. There are three distinct types of friendship that Aristotle directs his beliefs towards. These three types of friendships include: Utility, pleasure, and Goodness or virtuous friendship. Aristotle believes that friendship is something that is extremely important to have and should be held above many things. Friendship Utility is unlike the friendships of pleasure or goodness because as Aristotle puts it is “for the old” he explains that friendship Utility is a friendship that two people may have where they only communicate with one another for self-benefit or to gain something for one’s self. These two people are not likely to live with each other and at times may not even be nice to th...
Human nature is not bound by the mind but is shown through the heart in friendship.
Marion Winik’s “What Are Friends For?” expresses the characteristics of friendships and their importance in her existence. Winik begins by stating her theory of how some people can’t contribute as much to a friendship with their characteristic traits, while others can fulfill the friendship. She illustrates the eight friendships she has experienced, categorized as Buddies, Relative Friends, Work Friends, Faraway Friends, Former Friends, Friends You Love to Hate, Hero Friends, and New Friends. In like manner, the friendships that I have experienced agree and contradict with Winik’s categorizations.
If a good and self sufficient man were to develop a friendship, they may see the flaws that they themselves may not see. But not only will a good man see any flaws or things to work on in his friend, but the excellent person also who has friends can embrace the qualities that make him virtuous through his friends. This is because it is easier to view someone’s best or worst qualities through someone else’s eyes than for them to view their own. Being able to be around another person who is doing virtuous acts rather than doing virtuous acts by one’s self, gives the good man more realization that he is in fact an excellent
Aristotle wrote on many subjects in his lifetime but one of the virtues that he examines more extensively is friendship. Aristotle believes that there are three different kinds of friendship: utility, pleasure, and virtuous friendships. He also argues that a real friendship should be highly valued because it is a complete virtue and he believes it to be greater than honor and justice. Aristotle suggests that human’s love of utility and pleasure is the only reason why the first two types of friendships exist. Aristotle also argues that humans only set up these types of relationships for personal gain. But when he speaks of the virtuous friendships, Aristotle states that it is one of the greatest attainments one can achieve.
As one ponders on how to live a good life, many ideas come to mind. Whether this may be wealth, family, or beauty, the early philosopher’s theories need to be taken into consideration. Those early philosophers include Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics, and The Epicureans. These four committed their lives towards bettering life, and are the basis of most philosophical theories. It is evident that these four need to be read, understood, and discussed to better understand one’s life. They always pondered on the thought of how to have a perfect life and society. When one makes their own theory, based upon these early philosophers, not only do they need to establish a strong belief system, it is required to practice this too. Plato had the most basic of theories, being that only virtue was needed in life to be happy and nothing else. For Aristotle, he used Plato’s foundation and added that external goods, such as wealth, respect, friends, and beauty were all necessary. Without one of these, Aristotle believes that one cannot live a happy life. For the Stoics, they settled on a balanced approached between virtue and external goods, saying that virtue is necessary, yet external goods are preferred too. The Epicureans largely argue the Stoics view, and present that pleasure (tranquility) is the goal of every life, but virtues and friends are required for this. Each theory has many critics, even with Aristotle being a critic of his own theory. None seems perfect, yet all fit today’s modern society. I found that I agree with the Stoics theory the most, and find that any external good is fine as long as virtue is the basis of that person’s life.
Aristotle once stated that, “But if happiness be the exercise of virtue, it is reasonable to suppose that it will be the exercise of the highest virtue; and that will be the virtue or excellence of the best part of us.” (481) It is through Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics that we are able to gain insight into ancient Greece’s moral and ethical thoughts. Aristotle argues his theory on what happiness and virtue are and how man should achieve them.
Most beautiful kindred of all of humans are the companionship. Without excitement, confusion, tangles and commitment life becomes a cake-walk if people have a hand of a friend to hold on. Can everyone imagine if there is no friendship in the world? Nobody will care about one another. Friends are the pillars of strength that give support and comfort in life "A hedge between keeps friendship green”. Friendship is the one of the medium that can build unity among community. As Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of United States, once said, “Friendship is the only cement that will hold the world together”, I strongly agree to his statement because friendship teach to help one another, learn to accept each other and build trust and faith towards each other.
I think what Aristotle is trying to say when he says that society perfects humans is that Without society we would be farther away from perfection than we are now a part of the. I disagree with this because no matter what influence you have, it is impossible to be perfect. Which means that society
We do not make friends because they are useful but the bond of friendship, once it grows stronger and stronger has a number of positive aspects. There are certain secrets that can only be shared with our friends only. When we are facing a difficult situation in our lives, only true friends come forward to help us overcome all the difficulties.
Aristotle, just like his teacher Plato, believed that individuals should be educated or trained for their appropriate place in life (Noddings, 2012). He believed that the virtues that are instilled in us as well as those taught to us make us a better citizen and part of the community. Aristotle developed the Model of Moral Life which outlined an individual’s contribution to the community, not just what the individual gains from the community. Each member needs to be a contributing factor. Aristotle recommended, “Children should be trained morally appropriate modes of conduct” (Noddings, 2012, p. 11). Aristotle stated, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (p.11)” He believed that these values of moral matters where not ready to be taught to children until sometime in their twenties. He emphasized that three things that make men good and virtuous: nature, habit, and rationality (Hummel, 1993, p.41). Men are able to shape these aspects of their life through the Character Education Model, this model would of greatly pleased Aristotle because the lessons were laid out by “traits of character” (Noddings, 2012, p.12). Additionally, this model is very popular and certainly emphasized in some religious educations, Noddings (2012) notes that instructors in educational settings these days are taking a “more appreciative” look at Aristotle’s work with the “growing tendency in youth toward specially unaccepted and harmful practices”
Without delving into deep sociological theories of the nature of society, we can consider human societies as any community of individuals who are united together by a common bond of nearness or intercourse and are those who recognize each other as associates, friends and acquaintances. Individuals who play certain roles and the relationships between each role form the society itself. The complexity of society makes it difficult for us to identify our relationships. Generally, societies form different norms and cultures and these norms and cultures will change. Despite the changes in ones society and culture, members of any society like happiness in their own ways. In complex societies, it is valid to question about our contributions to happiness of its members. While material contributions to societies meet the physical needs, mental problems and needs are more difficult to satisfy. This is the point where society and culture become intertwined.