Philosophy - Essay Example

It deals with the parameters of possessing an ideal character full of virtues. (Athanassoulis) Virtues include courage, temperance, even temper, friendliness, truthfulness and wit. As far as I am concerned the characteristic of wit is very important for my future plans where I expect communication to be a major part of my career. Although I am quite flexible in my choice I would like to enter into the arena of international business. Wit will play a crucial role in the sphere of conversation. However as Aristotle puts it, “the connection between virtue and function leads directly to the doctrine of the mean …The numerical mean must be distinguished from the mean relative to us.

(Aristotle, 197)” He also states that a truly virtuous person would actually target the mean – “The virtuous person, like the expert in a craft, aims at the mean. The special concern of virtue is the mean in feelings and action. (Aristotle, 197)” A person who is virtuous can find happiness and this connection is established by the link between function and happiness. Being a rational agent, the function of a human being is to lead a life backed and well protected by reason. The life therefore must be one conforming to the virtue required to benefit the individual or the virtue, which may be used for the good of the specific person.

In my life, wit will have a large role to play because in the changing global scenario, communication and negotiation are the key words. Communication is essentially cultural in all form. It draws on the different ways in which a person has learnt to speak and deliver non-verbal messages. For instance, while Americans are more expressive, Japanese prefer to keep a passive appearance especially during business dealings. This does not mean that both of them do not undergo similar feelings and emotions.

It is simply the cultural difference that brings out the contrast. Communication implies interactivity, the importance of listening,