GSTS The Good Life

The good life

NICHOMACHEAN

philosophical book written by Aristotle

named after either his son or father

with the same name of Nicomachus

EUDAIMONIA

flourishing/happiness. It’s achieved by living a virtuous life

guided by reason.

Instrumental good

A type of good that only has value as a means to

another good

Intrinsic good

It is good by itself; It does not need to LEAD to

some kind of purpose;

HEDONISM

pleasure is the ultimate

good and pain is the ultimate evil

Virtue

morally good behavior

Excellence

excellent and valuable quality

PLANTS

non-rational

have functions like growth and reproduction, but no

reasoning ability; they act by nature alone

ANIMALS

partly rational

have desires, emotions, and can respond to their

environment; show some intelligence but lack full

rationality

HUMANS

rational (theoretical + practical)

unique because we have reason:

theoretical

seeking truth, knowledge

practical

making choices about how we live

INTELLECTUAL VIRTUE

education, time, experience, practice

achieved through formal and non-

formal means

self-taught knowledge and skills

WISDOM

guides ethical behavior

UNDERSTANDING

scientific endeavor

and contemplation

MORAL VIRTUE

virtue of a character

achieved through repeated/habitual

practice and conscious effort

GENEROSITY

repeatedly unselfish

TEMPERANCE

repeatedly resisting and

foregoing every inviting opportunity

COURAGE

repeatedly exhibiting the

proper action and emotional response in

times of danger

The Golden Mean

Living a virtuous life means living a balance between extremes. Aristotle’s idea of Golden Mean states that virtue lies in moderation, between two extremes of excess and deficiency.

Good Life

State of being happy, healthy, and prosperous in the way we think, live, and act. The path to good life consists of virtues of thoughts and character. Mediator between the two extremes of excess and deficiency.