In philosophy, we read many things that deal with Plato or Artisotle. One particular book by Plato I enjoyed is Book I of Nicomachean Ethics. Here, Plato tries to explain that in order to have a fulfilled life one must find happiness. Every human activity aims at some end that we consider good. This is the supreme Good in our lives and normally comes with happiness. It is difficult to define what happiness it since it is different for all people, but Plato tries. He claims that common people equate happiness with sensual pleasure, but he disagrees. He goes on to say that others say that receiving honors is the greatest good, but honors are conferred as recognition of goodness, so there must be a greater good that these honors reward. Plato’s Theory of Forms suggests that there is a single Form of Good and that all good things are good in the same way. This theory seems incorrect as we know it today because when we consider the diversity of things we call “good” and the diversity of ways in which we consider goodness, they are much more than just these Forms. Even if there were a single unifying Form of Good, our interest is in the practical question of how to be good. Then, Plato defined a person as good as someone who could perform their function well. This was very important then because a well functioning community was the best thing they had. Finally, Plato explains two parts of the soul that consitute happiness- the rational soul and the irrational soul. He claimed people are good that favor the rational part of the soul and live by their virtues by controlling impulses.
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