In CoPhi it's time again for Aristotle. This time last semester, on August 30, that serendipitously coincided with the lead-off slot I'd been asked to fill in the Honors Fall Lecture Series. It also coincided with the kickoff of our Environmental Ethics course's discussion of the Kentucky sage Wendell Berry, so I found myself looking for points of intersection between Aristotle and Wendell--specifically on the subjects of friendship and happiness. Having already noticed some affinity between Aristotle and Socrates, I then also detected an Aristotelian strain in the farmer-poet from Port Royal. That again leaves Plato the odd man out... (continues)
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Aristotle-LH 2; FL 3-4; HWT Sections 1-3.
LH
1. What point was Aristotle making when he wrote of swallows and summer? Do you agree?
2. What philosophical difference between Plato and Aristotle is implied by The School of Athens? Whose side are you on, Plato's or Aristotle's?
3. What is eudaimonia, and how can we increase our chances of achieving it, and in relation only to what? Do you think you've achieved it?
4. What reliance is completely against the spirit of Aristotle's research? Are there any authorities you always defer to? Why or why not?
FL
5. What did Sir Walter Raleigh help invent (other than cigarettes) that contributed to "Fantasyland" as we know it today? Was he a "stupid git," as the Beatles song says?
6. What was western civilization's first great ad campaign? Does advertising and the constant attempt to sell things to people have a negative impact on life in the USA?
7. What did Sir Francis Bacon say about human opinion and superstition? Do you ever attempt to overcome your own confirmation bias?
8. Which early settlers are typically ignored in the mythic American origin story? Also: what about the early "settlers" who were brought here against their wills and enslaved?
9. What had mostly ended in Europe, but not America, by the 1620s, and what did the Puritans think would happen "any minute now"? Why do you think people keep making this mistake?
HWT
10. What is pratyaksa in classic Indian philosophy, and how does the Upanishads say to seek it?
11. There is widespread belief in India that the practice of yoga can lead to what? Do you think it can?
12. What is metanoetics, in Japanese philosophy?
13. What does ineffable mean? Is it possible, though paradoxical, to use words to indicate something you can't put into words?
14. Unlike the west, religion in Japan is typically not about what? And what is it about to you?
Emma Essary section#6
ReplyDeleteLH 1. This quote means that small glimpses of pleasure doesn't bring true happiness, and I agree. Happiness comes from hard work and the ability to help the ones around us.
Emma Essary section#6
ReplyDeleteLH 3. Eudaimonia is a combination of well-being, happiness and flourishing. Aristotle believed that all humans should aim for as it is the aim and end of human existence. To reach this state, we must ourselves act in accordance with reason. For Aristotle, eudaimonia was achieved through living virtuously – or what you might describe as being good. Although I don't think I have achieved this, I know I am on the right path.
Question 2, little history (007) → Aristotle is reaching out to the world around him, while plato is trying to reach vertically into a “transcendent” world. I would say I lean towards Aristotle’s side. I feel like it’s more progressive in being able to learn and grow with ourselves and surrondings. While I do believe we need to look vertically and search for answers to questions like why are we here, or is there a supernatural reality, all Plato does is put out theories and hypotheses.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 3, little history (007) → It means fluroshnng or success. We can increase it, according to aristotle, by developing right kind of character in relation to life and society. Aristotle makes an important presupposition that we all have the same definition of “right character”. Without having a Baseline definition of “right” we won’t be able to live peaceful because all of our lives would be at odds in our own subjective pursuit of right. I do not believe I have achieved it, and believe that I won’t be able to in this specific life.
Question 4, little history (007) → A reliance on someone elses authority was against the spirit of Aristotles research. I do find myself relying on an authoritative figure. I would argue that its not a matter of if you rely on someone else, but the manner and character of that person or thing to rely on. For instance, if i’m putting together a couch, I can rely on the instructions (and by extension the person who made the couch and instructions for the couch), because they created the couch, and thus know how to put the couch together. Same reasoning applies everything. Therefore, you can relying on anothers authority based on their character and relation to the subject you are relying on them for.
Question 1: He was making a point of how only a few moments of something doesn't make it whole, mainly joy and happiness. I think this makes no sense as a comparison, as if you feel joy, isn't that the same as being happy?
ReplyDeleteQuestion 3: Eudaimonia translates to success, and according to Aristotle, can be increased depending on your character and other factors, even after your death. It's a very hard thing to grasp, and I doubt I have achieved it.
14: In Japan, religion isn't typically about doctrine, due to the belief that the purest knowledge comes from experience, not words. I'm not sure what religion is about to me.
Charlcie Shelton - 007
ReplyDeleteLH 3: Eudaimonia literally is the Greek word for the English phrase "seek happiness" but really meaning achieving true happiness. We can increase our potential to reach eudaemonia by feeding our character with things that are fulfilling to our mind and spirit.
Nicholas Kline (Section 6)
ReplyDeleteLHP 1: When Aristotle wrote about the swallows and summer, he was trying to say that just because someone experiences pleasure once, their life might not be full of pleasure. I agree with this because almost everyone has had an experience in their life that had some enjoyable moments, but if there was anything about that experience that rubbed them the wrong way, they might not consider it a happy memory. For me, it is the college that I attended before transferring to MTSU. While I was at that college, I made friends with some great people and I enjoyed the classes that I had. However, as a flight student, that is only a part of the experience as a whole. When I first started flight training there, I almost couldn't wait until the next time that I would be able to fly. But, then we started having issues with there not being enough planes for all of the students to get to fly regularly. It led to periods of up to three weeks in-between flights. At that point, you are not maintaining the skills that you need to be a proficient pilot. I, as well as many other students there, were spending each flight almost relearning what we did during the last flights. It became almost a chore to go flying, and by the time that I stopped flying there, I wasn't enjoying my time in the air. The entire experience kind of left a cloud over the rest of my experiences there. I have many enjoyable memories from that school, but when I look back at the time that I spent there, I mostly think of the negative experiences. I think this is kind of what Aristotle meant when he wrote about the swallows and their representation of summer. Just because there are periods of pleasure, does not make an entire experience a happy experience.
Maia Costello
ReplyDeleteLH 1: The point that Aristotle was making, was that just because one good event happens, doesn't mean what follows will be good as well.
FL 12: Letting go of one self's power so that it can be changed by the power of "absolute nothingness".
Nicholas Kline (Section 6)
ReplyDeleteLHP 4: The reliance on another person's authority went against the spirit of Aristotle's research. Which is kind of ironic since the people of his time believed him when he said that he thought that the heavier of two objects would hit the ground faster when dropped from the same height. He was later disproved by Galileo Galilei, but the people of Aristotle's time, and many years later, believed he was correct. I would say that I do not necessarily defer to any authority figures. However, if I am trying to do a woodworking project, I will typically see if my father has any advice because he was a carpenter for over 20 years. Even though I ask for his advice, I do not necessarily follow it. Sometimes when he says that I should do something one way, I try to figure out how to build on that idea and come up with a more efficient way to accomplish the task at hand.
Section 6
ReplyDeleteLH 1 He was trying to say that a couple moments of happiness doesn't make true happiness. I would agree to this because I don't see emotion as a measurement of success.
LH 2 Plato points to Forms; Aristotle is going out to look at the "world in front of him" I agree with Aristotle more because just looking at forms to me doesn't actually tell you what something is.
LH 3 This is a term that means success or flourishing. I think we can achieve it more by making the correct decisions and not missing the mark of being human. Yes, I am confident in my life choices.
LH 4 Relying on others for your research is against what Aristotle believed. I always go to my Old friend Johnny because I consider him wise and always pushes me to think deeper than what I originally thought.
LH #2: The main philosophical difference between Plato and Aristotle is that while Plato believes in the theory of forms, and trying to think and philosophize about the platonic ideal of an object or ideal, Aristotle instead is much more concerned with studying the world and its’ details as they are, choosing to question the world around him through exploration and analysis. I’d say I personally agree more with Aristotle’s idea of analysis, as I feel that while the platonic ideals of items can be interesting to theorize about, at the end of the day, we as humans are limited and empowered by our perception, and I believe that the best way to learn about the world is to get out and experience more of it!
ReplyDeleteLH #3: eudaimonia is the idea of true happiness (defined by Aristotle) being achieved through building a stable, healthy life for oneself, rather than building a life just focused on the immediate pleasures life can bring us. (This idea is also believed to be furthered and increased in Aristotle’s mind through the growth and furthering of one’s moral character). I’d personally say that I haven’t achieved this ideal yet, as while I feel like I’m currently in a more stable place with my life, and while I feel that I’m a morally decent person, there’s still so much more that I have to learn and strive for before I feel developed and well rounded enough to consider myself to achieve this type of idea
LH #4: One of the biggest ideas that goes against Aristotle’s research, is the idea of people accepting knowledge or ideas as “proven” so long as they match with the research or findings of authority figures they agree with. It’s a danger that arguably extends into our modern society in many ways, as it encourages complacency in ideas that, by all accounts can and should still be questioned or at the very least, continually explored. I personally try not to immediately conflate certain sources with inherent trustworthiness, instead I try my best to rely on the information presented by others, yet whenever I’m told of various interpersonal happenings from my friends, or world events from my parents, I can fall into the tendency to trust their word out of the comfort and ease it provides, rather than always doing my own research on topics. It’s a personal failing that I’m working to improve upon
section#6
ReplyDeletequestion 2, while Plato is trying to transcend the physical world, Aristotle is trying to understand the world around him. I would lean towards Plato because I like the idea of breaking out of the physical world into the spiritual world. Although, Aristotle's teaching would probably be more beneficial because if we understand the world around us, we could try to better understand ourselves.
LHP #1
ReplyDeleteThe point Aristotle was making when he said “one shallow doesn’t make a summer” is that one short time of joy doesn’t mean you are now considered truly happy. Aristotle believed true happiness was achieved later in life and was more than just periodic times of happiness.
section 6 question 3
ReplyDeleteEudaimonia is like true happiness in life, to increase our chances of it is to uplift others in your life/society to make your life better. I think eudaimonia relates to life as a whole because you can't expect good in life without doing good. I don't think I have achieved it but I am on my way, by focusing on relationships, friendships and education I believe is my way to Eudaimonia.
Giovanni Del Valle Section 7
ReplyDelete1. What point was Aristotle making when he wrote of swallows and summer? Do you agree?
His point was that happiness wasn't a matter of short-lived joy, and required a long life to achieve true happiness. "One swallow doesn't make a summer" would mean "One good moment doesn't make true happiness." His idea of true happiness is built upon achievements that would be accomplished later in life.
I don't completely agree. Some short bursts of happiness can serve as an escape from your unhappiness (burying your mind by reading a book, or taking a hit of nicotine) rather than be a sign of happiness itself. Short bliss moments do not make happiness. That part I do agree. However, we may have a different idea of "true happiness." Accomplishments can contribute to a happy life, but isn't the sole basis for happiness, nor does happiness require a long life to acquire. Very accomplished people can still be quite unhappy. I would argue true happiness occurs when a person is where they want and need to be. A child in the playground or in a warm stable home with a loving family is indeed a happy child. Humans run on their biological senses and feelings, so tending to those things are crucial to happiness.
1. Aristotle valued being happy in life as the highest state of achievement. With his theory of swallows, not representing the coming of summer necessarily, he means to say that there are red herrings that may seem true (happiness) but you need to thoroughly inspect it to be sure whether or not the "swallow" is actually a sign of what's to come or just an outlier.
ReplyDelete2. According to the School of Athens, Plato wanted to put his efforts and faith into something he couldn't see but had value, while Aristotle believed in cherishing and nurturing things that you directly control. I'd have to side with Aristole. Valuing the people around me and giving the world everything g you have to offer is infinitely more rewarding in my eyes.
ReplyDeleteEudaimonia is essentially one's legacy, but instead of just facts and information, it's the emotinal effect you have and will always contribute to the world. By interacting with other people and the world, we continue to imprint ourselves, our Eudaimonia, on it (infamous or famous). I really hope I've not reached the peak of my success but I'd like to believe the I've made a positive impact on a few people so far.
ReplyDeleteOops #3
DeleteKevin Rodriguez Sec 7:
ReplyDeleteLH 2 What philosophical difference between Plato and Aristotle is implied by The School of Athens? Whose side are you on, Plato's or Aristotle's?
I believe the philosophical difference between the two is that Plato believed in the Forms of everything and that thriving for the forms is the way to achieve happiness. Because of this he points his hand upwards.where as Aristotles points his hand down implies there is no higher reality. Aristotle reality is what we can see and experience. I would have to agree with Aristotle. personally Platos Forms are unachievable and only an idea of how things should be rather than how they are. Using the reference of the circle ive seen plenty of "imperfect circles" and never have questioned it truly was the form of a circle. I like to experience things as they actually are not what i think is the perfect way for it to exsist.
LHP2. What philosophical difference between Plato and Aristotle is implied by The School of Athens? Whose side are you on, Plato's or Aristotle's?
ReplyDeleteThe philosophical difference between Plato and Aristotle that is implied by The School of Athens is that while Plato point towards the world of Forms, Aristotle reaches out to what's in front of him. I agree more with Aristotle and that the true nature of something is understand by observing it in reality.
LH4. What reliance is completely against the spirit of Aristotle's research? Are there any authorities you always defer to? Why or why not? Reliance on truth based on perceived authority was against the spirit of Aristotle's research. I like to think there aren't any authorities I will always defer to because I know people make mistakes and there is so much of the world we don't know with complete certainty.
FL7. What did Sir Francis Bacon say about human opinion and superstition? Do you ever attempt to overcome your own confirmation bias? Sir Francis Bacon said that once humans form an opinion they consume only information that supports their opinion and prefer to disregard their failures. I agree with Bacon and I believe that I could do more to overcome my own confirmation bias by being more willing to listen to opposing opinions.
Jordan Martin 7
ReplyDeletePratyaska in classical Indian philosophy was defined as a valid source of knowledge. The Upanisads believed the only way to seek it was through meditation.
Jordan Martin 007
ReplyDeleteHWT
11. There is widespread belief in India that the practice of yoga can lead to what? Do you think it can?
In India practicing yoga is believed to lead to insight and even "almost supernatural powers." I do agree that practicing yoga could help provide insight, although I also think because people are so different, we all work and think to gain insight in different ways. For example I hate sitting still and would rather talk, hike, or kayak to thing clearly, and I'm sure that is completely different for everyone in the class. I would disagree that yoga could cause almost supernatural powers however..but I haven't attempted yoga to that level so I do think that is subjective.
Felopater Melika #7
ReplyDeleteLH
1. That some pleasurful moments don't add up to happinss and I agree.
2. Plato wanted to think in his head while Aristotle wanted to explore reality and I am on Aristotles side.
3. It's success and flourish and happiness and to increase the chances of achieving it we need to develop good habits and practice them from an early age and keep away from bad habits and I achieve it yes.
4. Relying on authority and no because I need to verify information for myself and I am aware of this bias that I naturally have.
HWT
1. It means valid source of knowledge and they seek it by mediating.
2. Pratysa and yes it can.
3. It's giving up on knowing through effort.
4. It means something u can't say or put into words and yes it's at least possible to try though it's hard.
5. Doctrines and it's more about ineffable truths.
HWT Q2
ReplyDeleteMetanoetics means change of heart or repentance. It is the idea that nothing is absolute or universal rule when it comes to philosophy. In the early years it was very close to buddhist self-discipline, confucian properity, and shinto. It is considered a milestone in Japan's post war philosophocial thought. Hajime Tanabe argued that philosophy is never set in stone.
2: Plato seems to be what is called an abstract utopian. His thinking is wishful, and his arguments are formed with the connection. Whereas Aristotle was empirical and practical empiricism was the view that concepts originate from experience, which I do agree with.
ReplyDeletesection 7
LHP #3
ReplyDeleteEudaimonia is the word that Aristotle used to represent this concept of true happiness on a larger, life scale. The Aristotle says that the way to increase your chances of achieving eudaimonia, you develop the right kind of character. This relates directly to your emotions and how you respond to things. It’s these patterns that increase your chances. Aristotle says that eadaimonia can only be achieved in relation to life in a society - meaning we have to interact well with others. Although I do interact well with others, I do not think I have achieved eudiamonia. I worry too much.
LH 1. Aristotle's meaning of "one swallow doesn't make a summer" highlights how one favorable incident doesn't mean an overall favorable outcome. In other words a single moment of pleasure doesn't lead to true happiness. I agree with this statement somewhat. I believe a single favorable outcome doesn't instantly correlate to true happiness; however I think that all it takes it a single moment to change one's worldview and lead them down a path of subsequent outcomes and fulfillment in life.
ReplyDeleteSection 7 Carter J. Marbry
ReplyDeleteLH 1: Just because one good thing might come your way, do not expect everything that follows to be good as to you as well.
HWT 10: means a correct source of information and to look for it by meditation
HWT 14: Religion there is not about getting the most knowledge from teaching other but instead by experiencing it for yourself. To me religion is about having faith in things and understanding you yourself are not going to always be in control.
LH 1: I think he was trying to say that a couple small moments of happiness dont make you truly happy. To achieve true happiness you must be at peace with oneself and contempt with the things you have achieved. I think his viewpoint is also coming from the perspective that you must live a lot of life and thus be older to look back and know you are truly happy. I disagree with this because I think happiness is something that you can achieve on a daily basis no matter how old or how much life you have lived. It is all about your perspective and the things you tell to yourself, how you view life. I believe happiness is certainly a choice in life.
ReplyDeleteGarrett Alden (Section 7)
DeleteLH 2. Plato's view of reality was more akin to an abstract observer. His outlook on the "forms" of the world couldn't being experienced through the senses but through a transcendent way of thinking. Aristotle, in contrast, enjoyed the aspects of life in a more interactive way. In reference of his hands out towards the world in "The school of Athens" painting. My beliefs coincide closer with Aristotle's. His outlook seemed more involved in the present and it's brilliant facets like astronomy, biology, or zoology while Plato focused on achieving a higher level of thinking which may have been for naught.
ReplyDeleteLH #1 Aristotle compares swallows to moments in life that spark joy, and he compares summer to complete happiness. Just like many swallows need to be seen to confirm that summer has arrived, many important, joyful moments need to combine to fulfill a person and bring true happiness.
ReplyDeleteRaymond Curry Section 6
ReplyDeleteIn regard to Plato (rationalist) and Aristotle (empiricist), I agree more with Aristotle than Plato. We need to explore the world and experiment to determine what is real and what is not. Aristotle probably was the first to use the scientific method to determine the nature of the world.
Derek Clayton
ReplyDeleteSection #6
Aristotle’s point of swallows and summers was to demonstrate that happiness is not made up of simple pleasures, just as a handful of swallows doesn’t signal. I agree, as true happiness takes cultivation.
Plato refuses to rely on his senses, pointing up towards his ideals. Aristotle is pointing towards the ground, reflecting his view on relying on your senses to study. I am in the middle of this. You cannot build a foundation of views without first studying the world around you, but without talking to others and thinking you will find yourself only speaking truisms.
Eudaimonia is the best way to live, in a sense, it is true happiness. It is made overtime, cultivating yourself a place in society. It's best seen after death, as you have to build up something first. In Aristotle’s mind, no. In my mind, I am working towards it everyday, and I feel that I’ve gotten a little.
Reliance on authority goes against Aristotle. I agree with him. I also try to avoid over reliance on authority. One person cannot give you a good view, it is best to look at many experts and yourself to find your own truth.
10. Pratyaksa is a sensory, religious, and intellectual experience. To seek it, you must find a guru.
11. Yoga, as widely believed in India, can lead to supernatural power. I hesitate to say it can do that much, but it is a great way of exercising the body and is often a great way to think, such as with walking.
12. Metanoetics refers to a giving up, leading to an increased sense of intuition.
13. Ineffable is to mean unable to be put into words. I believe most anything can be put into words, or rather explained. If one finds it to be ineffable, then perhaps they do not understand it as much as they thought.
14. Religion in Japan is about consciousness transformation. It can be used to connect and expand oneself. As for me, religion is often about routine, which eventually evolves into tradition. This is both good and bad. One that refuses to evolve, to look at oneself will (or at least should) die out, but one that can grow and provide for people shouldn’t be too bad.
Connor Haynes (Section 10)
ReplyDeleteLH #3: Eudaimonia is derived from Aristotelian ethics and is known as the highest human good, from its performance and virtue. You might be able to increase your chances of getting it through personal happiness, but the answer may rely on the argument of free will versus higher power or destiny. Are you in control and able to do it for yourself or can it only be decided for you?
LH #1. The point that Aristotle was making was that when a swallow comes, it usually means that there will be more than a single warm day of summer, however this is not always true. Just as small moments of pleasure do not always add up to be happiness. I sort of agree with this idea because sometimes people can only find happiness in the moment from an experience but overall could be sad. For example, in a relationship, one might be happy going on a date with their significant other but then be cheating on them because they aren't truly fulfilled with the relationship.
ReplyDeleteKailei Davis Section #6
LH #2. The difference between Plato and Aristotle in "The School of Athens" is that Aristotle believed while questing everything that one must experience the reality in which they live through their senses by exploring the world and going out in it. Meanwhile, Plato believed that one could figure out the questions of life by sitting in a comfortable armchair.
ReplyDeleteKailei Davis. Section #6