U2 IB PHILOSOPHY

Aristotle's theory of hylomorphism states that every physical thing is composed of matter and form. Matter is what something is made of, while form is what gives it its identity and makes it the kind of thing it is. In human beings, the body is the matter and the soul is the form because the soul gives life and organization to the body. Aristotle also explains reality through the Four Causes: the material cause no(what something is made of), the formal cause (what it is), the efficient cause (what brings it into being), and the final cause (its purpose). For humans, the material cause is the matter that makes up the body, the efficient cause is our parents, the formal cause is our rational human nature, and the final cause is to achieve eudaimonia, or human flourishing, through reason and virtue.

Aquinas argues that the human soul is a subsistent form, meaning it can exist apart from the body. He claims this because humans can understand abstract concepts such as truth, justice, and beauty. Since these intellectual activities are not purely physical, the soul cannot be entirely dependent on the body. Therefore, the soul is capable of surviving bodily death. However, Aquinas also teaches that the soul is naturally oriented toward union with the body, meaning a separated soul is not the complete human person.

The Christian belief in resurrection teaches that human beings are a unity of body and soul. Although the soul survives physical death, this is not the complete or natural state of a human person. Human beings are meant to exist as embodied souls. At the resurrection, the soul is reunited with the body, restoring the complete person. This belief shows that both the body and soul are essential aspects of human nature and that the body has lasting value rather than being merely a temporary container for the soul.

Epicurean hedonism teaches that pleasure is the highest good and the goal of life. However, Epicurus did not encourage luxury or excessive pleasure. Instead, he believed happiness comes from ataraxia (peace of mind) and aponia (absence of physical pain). He emphasized moderation, friendship, wisdom, and freedom from unnecessary desires. One strength of this view is that it promotes a simple and peaceful lifestyle that reduces anxiety. A limitation is that it may define the purpose of life too narrowly, since people often value duty, sacrifice, and moral responsibility even when these do not produce pleasure.

Stoics believed that happiness comes from living according to nature and reason. Their physics taught that the universe is governed by logos, a rational order that directs all events. Their epistemology taught that humans possess reason and can understand this natural order. Because many external events are beyond our control, Stoics argued that we should focus only on our judgments, choices, and actions. By accepting what cannot be changed and cultivating virtue, people live in harmony with nature and achieve inner peace. Therefore, happiness comes from living rationally and virtuously rather than chasing external goods.