more on this theme | more from this text
Full Idea
It is the freedom to transcend our nature which eudaimonism seems to ignore and existentialism brings to the fore.
Clarification
'Eudaimonism' is Aristotle's aim of fulfilment through virtue
Gist of Idea
Existentialism may transcend our nature, unlike eudaimonism
Source
Gordon Graham (Eight Theories of Ethics [2004], Ch.9)
Book Ref
Graham,Gordon: 'Eight Theories of Ethics' [Routledge 2004], p.178
A Reaction
It is wildly exciting to 'transcend our nature', and very dreary to polish up the nature which is given to us. In this I am a bit conservative. We should not go against the grain, but we shouldn't assume current living is the correct line of the grain.
| 6685 | 'Subjectivism' is an extension of relativism from the social group to the individual [Graham] |
| 6691 | It is more plausible to say people can choose between values, than that they can create them [Graham] |
| 6688 | Life is only absurd if you expected an explanation and none turns up [Graham] |
| 6690 | A standard problem for existentialism is the 'sincere Nazi' [Graham] |
| 6689 | The key to existentialism: the way you make choices is more important than what you choose [Graham] |
| 6693 | 'What if everybody did that?' rather misses the point as an objection to cheating [Graham] |
| 6701 | Rescue operations need spontaneous benevolence, not careful thought [Graham] |
| 6699 | The chain of consequences may not be the same as the chain of responsibility [Graham] |
| 6698 | Negative consequences are very hard (and possibly impossible) to assess [Graham] |
| 6700 | We can't criticise people because of unforeseeable consequences [Graham] |
| 6704 | Egoism submits to desires, but cannot help form them [Graham] |
| 6705 | Existentialism may transcend our nature, unlike eudaimonism [Graham] |
| 6706 | The great religions are much more concerned with the religious life than with ethics [Graham] |
| 6709 | Western religion saves us from death; Eastern religion saves us from immortality [Graham] |