The Good life can be interpreted in many ways by various people. It is pondered by every individual and can be discussed and analyzed in different ways. The following texts have shown me a very different perspective to the good life. One that I would of never thought I would have. Every person can come to their own decisions to define the good life. I believe after one reads the chosen texts, one will have a better understanding and can determine specific arguments and reasons for their beliefs.
Aristotle claims at the beginning that a person’s whole life is included both on earth and in heaven. When a person is in heaven, we can determine whether their life was in fact, a good life. This is his personal opinion but I believe one can only decide for themselves if they are living the ‘good’ way. Aristotle brings up the eudemonia theory which I translated to supreme happiness. I agree with Aristotle when he claims that Happiness is the ultimate telos (end) because there is no further telos beyond happiness and our ultimate goal to all activities is to be happy. This is an idea that everybody can relate to. We are all striving for happiness and the good. Most people, like my belief previously, would think of happiness as a physical pleasure or honor and this constitutes an imperfect view of the good life. Aristotle explains that one must be taught about the virtuous life and explain it whilst promoting it. Somewhat practicing goodness. My opinion is now, very similar to Aristotle. Happiness cannot be placed on material things. It is a matter of setting a goal and looking past the superficial things that stand in the way.
The Gorgias by Plato is a detailed study of virtue whilst inquiring into a number of subjects. Plato contemplates about what is the ...