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Ancient Greek Political Thought - Essay Example

Summary

The essay “Ancient Greek Political Thought” looks at one of the most important political thinkers in the ancient Greek – Aristotle who presented his insights on different subject areas such as ethics and virtue. Based on the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle presented his thoughts on happiness or eudaimonia…

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Subject: Philosophy
Type: Essay
Level: Masters
Pages: 2 (500 words)
Downloads: 4

Extract of sample "Ancient Greek Political Thought"

Through the said goal to achieve goodness and happiness, one of the main concerns is the subjectivity of the views of the people. One’s goal can be another human being's greatest fear. An achievement can be good for a person but not a source of happiness for another (Aristotle Book 1 Chapter 1). Due to the said view and the attempt to explore ethical issues, Aristotle found it fitting to search for the way by which human beings can achieve common happiness thus the need for synchronization and harmony in their actions and activities.

To be able to achieve such a goal, Aristotle expressed the need for politics. According to him, if every person is aiming for happiness based on his own perspective, there will come a point wherein his happiness would be hindered by the fact that another person’s goals are prohibiting such occurrence. In such a scenario, conflict can be considered inevitable. This can then be considered as the end of one’s happiness despite the fact that the person is continuously working for it. For that matter, it can be considered that in the quest for one’s happiness, it is important to consider the needs of other people.

This can then define the chief goodness or the happiness of the people (Aristotle Book 1 Chapter 2). Based on the view of Aristotle then, it is important to aim for the common happiness of the people. This according to him can be undertaken through politics which he defined to apply the different fields of sciences. Due to the said fact, it can then be considered to target the good of man and inevitable the achievement of happiness. He then expressed that consequently, the application of political thoughts can lead to happiness.

Socrates, on the other hand, expressed that the way to achieve happiness is through a virtuous life. A life of contemplation and wisdom to live beyond material issues can be considered.

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