LIFE, ARISTOTLE, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS: REIMAGINING VIRTUOUS ACTION AS A HIGHEST GOOD FOR THE INDIVIDUAL

Author

Asterios Stamatikos, Southern Illinois University CarbondaleFollow

Date of Award

8-1-2024

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Philosophy

First Advisor

Youpa, Andrew

Abstract

The revival of Aristotelian virtue ethics has been fettered over the quibble that Aristotle’s ethics is unacceptably self-centered. Instead of arguing that personal happiness in itself is an appropriate basis for an ethical theory, the Nicomachean Ethics is typically defended against self-centeredness objections by showing how non-instrumental other-concern is included in it and how this kind of concern for others is an essential feature of virtue ethics in general. The virtues and corresponding actions are also commonly treated as means in contemporary virtue ethics. This is the case for some of the more popular works, including Alasdair MacIntyre’s After Virtue, Philippa Foot’s Natural Goodness, and Rosalind Hursthouse’s On Virtue Ethics. The character virtues do in fact serve well as means in their theories, but higher goods, especially those related to the fulfillment of human potential, are left unexamined. Foot and Hursthouse posit basic ends to maintain an egalitarian standard in their theories. MacIntyre includes higher ends through his concept of goods internal to practices, but he does not provide a detailed account of these goods and says nothing about their value. Contemporary virtue ethics is desperately lacking in research and debate that center around virtuous activity as an end. As a jumping-off point for reimagining virtuous action as a highest good in the life of the individual, Aristotle’s conception of eudaimonia or happiness as virtuous activity should be interpreted to allow for subjective differences in potential and interests. The value of virtuous action in itself, apart from external goods and practical benefits that may arise from it, can also be explored. Aristotle argues that virtuous action is the highest good in the life of the individual; as such, it should have tremendous value for those who engage in it.