Single Idea 4381

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 1. Nature of Value / e. Means and ends]

Full Idea

A question for Aristotle is, how can an action be good in itself if it is valued as a means to 'eudaimonia'?

Clarification

'Eudaimonia' is a state of fulfilment or flourishing in life

Gist of Idea

How can an action be intrinsically good if it is a means to 'eudaimonia'?

Source

comment on Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1101a15) by J.L. Ackrill - Aristotle on Action p.93

Book Reference

'Essays on Aristotle's Ethics', ed/tr. Rorty,Amélie Oksenberg [University of California 1980], p.93


A Reaction

A good question, but one which shouldn't trouble Aristotle. There is no short cut to eudaimonia (e.g. a pill); it is a state of accumulated good actions.