Aristotine And Agustine Essay

Throughout the readings of both Aristotle and Augustine, each philosopher represented their views on the nature of happiness and their means for achieving that happiness in this life. Aristotle was a Greek philosopher who spent the majority of his life either teaching, studying, and writing known for positioning the majority of the groundwork for western philosophy along with Plato (“Aristotle’s Ethics”). Additionally, he touched on areas focused primarily on biology, physics, morality, and politics which were described in detail in his numerous philosophical treatises. Augustine, who is normally referred to as Augustine of Hippo, wrote an abundance of works which were also groundbreaking for the development of Western philosophy (“Saint Augustine”). His main focus was on the teachings of God as well as directing individuals to find peace with God because in order to achieve happiness, he believed finding peace with God was the first step. Traditionally, humans believe that happiness is achieved through the fulfillment of human nature and accomplishing a specific task or goal, and both Aristotle and Augustine defined this happiness and flourishing state in similar yet distinct ways. Aristotle and Augustine each developed separate views on the nature of happiness and the path to achieve that happiness; however, the best human life and highest fulfillment of happiness are achieved through Augustine’s approach to human flourishing.

In Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, he thoroughly indicated a well-defined direction in order to achieve our true nature to which we seek happiness. For Aristotle, to be human means to be a rational animal who flourishes through reason to achieve the highest human good. To achieve happiness, one must li...

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...duals, happiness is attained through a variety of ways whether it be doing well on a test, finding love, or getting revenge, but as a Christian, happiness is fully achieved by giving yourself to God. Augustine explained how we must avoid evil in this life in order to completely be restored with God in the next life. As humans, we should never harm others or ourselves and should continually act in ways that we know will benefit others, ourselves, and society. We should never give in to evil, and although we may be tempted, God is there to help us through everything. Not everyone can avoid evils in this world, but we can be forgiven, and God will forgive anyone who proves they are worthy of his forgiveness and try to better themselves as individuals. Ultimately we must look beyond this life to have successfully reached the supreme good and live a happy life with God.