Single Idea 107

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 1. Virtue Theory / a. Nature of virtue]

Full Idea

Life in conformity with moral virtue will be happy in a secondary degree, because such activities are human (not divine).

Gist of Idea

A life of moral virtue brings human happiness, but not divine happiness

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1178a10)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.331


A Reaction

It seems a bit silly for a human being to aspire to 'divine' happiness. If contemplation is the eudaimonia of the gods, why does that mean that humans should aspire to it. Should cats try to play chess?