Renaissance of Thoughts - Essay Example

However the thesis proves to be a contrast. According to Aristotle, no one would be able to stay happy and wise unless the “philosopher’s paradox” is defended. Socrates commitment to the sufficiency thesis, however, offer lucid substantiation for Socrates’ dedication to the requisite of wisdom for happiness and so defines the fundamental significance of wisdom for Socrates. On the typical interpretation, Socrates argues for the sufficiency thesis in Euthydemus 278–282.

Irwin nicely exhibits this way of reading the passage: “Socrates takes it to be generally agreed that we achieve happiness by gaining many goods (279a1–4), but he argues that the only good we need is wisdom. He argues in three stages :( 1) Happiness does not require good fortune added to wisdom (279c4–280a8). (2) Wisdom is necessary and sufficient for the correct and successful use of other goods (280b1–281b4). (3)Wisdom is the only good (281b4–e5). From this Socrates concludes that if we want to secure happiness, we need not acquire many goods; we need only acquire wisdom (282a1–d3)”.

(Jones 2013). In this context it is relevant to discuss the philosophy of Roger Bacon where he made precise observations about the natural processes of life. His attention was mainly relating to alchemy and his misconceptions had connection with his knowledge of magic. He loved to experiment and because of this some of his contemporaries regarded him as necromancer and sorcerer. His thirst to know the truth paved the way for a new experimentation where he formed a head from dead human heads and expected it to speak to him through the aid of devil.

Alchemists applied some experimentation technique in the Aristotelian domain, to draw conclusions from the principles which had already been ascertained through thoughts, philosophies and observations (Krebs 1999 124) around 2500 years back, the Buddhist tradition explained the meaning of happiness. However, Buddha’s first preaching was about the fact that the foundation of happiness revolves round suffering and pain and both happiness and pain are the results of our own deeds and thoughts (cloudwater.org n.d.). As per Martin Luther King Jr.

“If we are to have peace on earth, our loyalties must become ecumenical rather than sectional, Our loyalties must transcend our race, our tribe, our class, and our nation; and this means we must develop a world perspective” (The Wisdom of Martin Luther King, Jr. n.d). Thus the thoughts of scholars state that gaining continuous knowledge and obtaining wisdom from various experimentations are the main sources of happiness. Happiness is a universal term and it can’t be obtained staying aloof from others.

The perspective of eminent scholars state that “happiness can’t be felt unless we know what sadness is.” However the modern day philosophies state that people today, tend to relate happiness with material possession. It is true that wealth brings happiness, but for a moment. In the words of Jesus Christ, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God” (Gulla 2010 170) The urge for wealth and material possession is defined by our needs.

It can be said that, however, even if needs are satisfied, it can’t provide a long-term satisfaction as needs are innumerable.