The Aristotelian: Being Virtuous and Happy?

   Aristotle

Greek Philosopher and Scientist

 (384-322 B.C)

What It means to be Happy

Aristotle’s famous philosophical work, Nicomachean Ethics, seeks to answer one key question, “What is the ultimate purpose of human existence?” (Nicomachean Ethics, 1097a30-34) Aristotle believes Happiness is the goal that comprises the totality of one’s life; not “Instant Gratification”, or pleasurable sensations that could be lost in a few hours, but how well a person has lived up to his full potential as a human being. Aristotle’s virtue ethics is about developing a person’s character with high moral standards and a strong will to do the right thing through constant learning and practice, especially in difficult situations. For example, it would totally be more fun spending the night “chilling” with buddies, but you know you would be better off completing that assignment. Happiness also requires the habitual exercise of intellectual Contemplation as it is the Greatest Realization of our Rational capacity. (“Introduction: Aristotle’s Definition of Happiness,” n.d.). Short term pleasure and long term Pain? That’s right, no thank you.

The Golden Mean Theory and Media Ethics

 Virtues are the mean, or balance between two undesirable extremes called Excess and Deficiency, created from controlling our desires too much or too little, such as self- control is the mean between impulsiveness (excess) and indecisiveness (deficiency) (Kemerling, 2011). Applying it in media, a journalist is writing a report on the case of a six-year old boy who attempted suicide in his school, the first reported case in the country. Excess is to publish the boy’s picture, his name, his school, and exactly where he lives, because you are merely reporting the truth of what happened. Deficiency is to Not publish the story at all, making your newspaper less newsworthy to the public compared to other newspapers. As a media ethics practitioner, the Mean is to publish the story, but minimize as much harm as possible unto the victim and his family by Not publishing the victim’s name, picture, and exact address but perhaps publishing which state, name and location of school, and victim’s age.

 Is Aristotle’s Virtue Ethics Ideal?

Nope. Because The Golden Mean cannot be applied for All virtues. What are the extremes of Knowledge? Should we take a little from Knowledge and a little from Ignorance to strike a balance? Nonsense. Also, if a character trait is defined a virtue, it is accepted as a virtue universally for all people in all times; how can That Be when what represents a virtue Varies to People across cultures and societies? (Mastin, 2008)

Till today, Aristotle’s intellectual concepts have remained embedded in Western thinking (Kenny, 2014). Check out this Aristotelian Society since 1880.. https://www.aristoteliansociety.org.uk/