Philosophic Questions: Platonic Forms, Eudaimonia, and the Aristotelian Concept of the Golden Mean - Assignment Example

This is seen in the differences between rationalism and empiricism: rationalism has it that the ideas and concepts are independent of the experience and that cognition is realized only using the mind, whereas empiricism states that knowledge and practice shall be cognized using experience. (True Forms, 2013). 2) Eudaimonia is most commonly defined as welfare, happiness, or prosperity. Eudaimonists state that happiness is the supreme good for the human being. According to their views, the basis of human behavior and the criteria of morality are determined as humans strive for happiness and prosperity.

Happiness includes internal aspects, such as virtue, and external ones – health, beauty, and wealth. Eudaimonia is considered naturalistic because it is in human nature to be aimed at reaching the best. (Robinson, 1999). 3) The Aristotelian concept of the “golden mean” is the acceptable middle between the excessive and the insufficient. In terms of ethics, this means a choice between the things that are good and bad and may seem too good or too bad. For example, the situation with the wars and armed conflicts in the modern world is illustrative in this respect.

It would be possible to avoid them using choosing by either their sides a means – the process of negotiations, and this is namely the mean because it would neither lead to blood-shooting nor absence of the contact between the sides at all. It can also be referred to as sometimes avoiding difficulties and trying to choose the easiest way of problems solving. Then it is believed that the golden mean is not the best means and it is necessary to be courageous enough to follow not the easiest way. 4) Philosophical Cynics tend not to accept conventional society.

They motivate this by the fact that the usual concept of life presupposes possessing useless and odd things, and there are many conditions and limitations which prevent one from living the full life. They appreciate the simplicity of life and reckon it is necessary to get rid of the things that are not vital for life. Cynics also distance themselves from religious dogmas and traditional culture. These philosophers also reject the country and the family while trying to live independently from anyone or anything. This is not corresponding with the generally accepted model of society.