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Single Idea 18230

[from 'Eudemian Ethics' by Aristotle, in 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 1. Nature of Value / f. Ultimate value ]

Full Idea

If we put together all the things that are ....not done or undergone for their own sake ...no one would choose, in order to have them, to be alive rather than not.

Gist of Idea

No one would choose life just for activities not done for their own sake

Source

Aristotle (Eudemian Ethics [c.333 BCE], 1215), quoted by Christine M. Korsgaard - Aristotle and Kant on the Source of Value 8 'Finality'

Book Reference

Korsgaard,Christine M.: 'Creating the Kingdom of Ends' [CUP 1996], p.232


A Reaction

Debatable. Roughly his question is whether you would rather be dead than be a slave, since slaves work for means, but have no ends. Aristotle would rather die, but those who surrendered in ancient battles preferred slavery.