Early in the class, while offering an outline of Aristotle's ethics, an idea came up that I think bears some close examination. It was mentioned that not all people DO live up to an ethical or moral ideal, and indeed it is questionable whether or not we CAN. This leads me to ponder the very nature of human happiness and excellence.
In particular, an issue I have always pondered is in relation to the opposition of good and evil. Specifically, can there be one without the other? Can people be good if there is not evil to oppose the good? Can people be happy if there is not sadness, incompleteness, or whatever one might describe as happiness' opposite, to provide a measure by which we can evaluate one's happiness?
I am almost inclined to put forward that perhaps some measure of suffering is not only inevitable, but indeed required, to stand in opposition to the good, and thus validate the good. I am sure that many of you will be more than happy to oppose me on this point, and I eagerly await reactions to this proposition -- that there MUST be suffering as an essential part of the good.
This is an interesting question. I think everyone has had the experience of something that starts out wonderful becoming common and unremarkable eventually. Whether its good food, fine things, or great art, we become accustomed to what surrounds us.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand people will also grow acclimated to suffering. An unpleasant job or wretched car will go from agonizing to merely bothersome given enough time. Beyond this even people in truly horrible conditions will still find some things that bring light into their lives just as those who have everything (and not just materially) will find there is always something to be improved.
It seems that people will always experience the whole range of feelings in spite of their conditions. So instead of suffering being a prerequisite for the 'good' people will determine whatever is worst in their life to be suffering and whatever is best to be 'good'.
I agree with the above comment. I don't feel that suffering is necessary for people to be good, but accepting the fact that sometimes suffering comes in the quest for people to be good. Not all things in life can attribute to the overall happiness of people. In fact I feel that most of the time things may even be working against our happiness. Happiness is something that is harder to achieve. But suffering does automatically come with the territory.
ReplyDelete