Ethics and Happiness in Aristotelian Philosophy

Study Notes

Federico invites Simona to a party, but she declines as she needs to study.
Federico criticizes Simona for constantly studying and not living in the moment.
Simona defends her choice to study and argues that considering the future is important.
Federico argues against planning for the future and wants to enjoy the present.
Simona asserts that she will work hard to achieve her goals and not sacrifice her future for present pleasure.
Aristóteles, a disciple of Plato, is known for his work on ethics.
Aristóteles was born in Estagira, Macedonia, and his father was a doctor.
Aristóteles' works on ethics are the first systematic treatises in Western thought.
Aristóteles did not write his works for publication but his disciples compiled them after his death.
Ethics, according to Aristóteles, is a practical knowledge that helps humans live happily.
Animal behavior is determined by their ethos, or character, but humans can think and decide rationally.
Ethics guides human behavior and defines the "good life" or the best way to live.
Aristóteles defines ethics as teleological as it aims at the end or goal of human life.
The ultimate goal of human life is happiness, which is the only thing sought for its own sake.
Ethics studies the means to achieve happiness, or the "good life."
Aristotle's ideas on happiness include living in accordance with virtue and a contemplative life dedicated to knowledge.
To define one's character and approach to life, consider what happiness means to you, whether you prefer to be alone or with others, what you are willing to do to achieve happiness, and what you will do today to be happier.