more on this theme     |     more from this thinker     |     more from this text


Single Idea 5269

[filed under theme 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 1. Goodness / f. Good as pleasure ]

Full Idea

It is clear, then, that pleasure is not the Good, and that not every pleasure is desirable.

Gist of Idea

Pleasure is not the Good, and not every pleasure is desirable

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1174a08)

Book Ref

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.318


A Reaction

This is the culmination of a length discussion. Despite all of Aristotle's efforts, it may well be impossible to demonstrate that pleasure is not the Good. All the rivals, such as knowledge, intelligence, sight, excellence etc. give great pleasure.