PHL 315 Lecture 3: PHL 315 Notes 3
14 Sep 2016
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Document Summary
Happiness is difficult but not impossible, it requires effort. It is possible because it lies in the human essence, capable of knowledge/virtue. When we are irrational and emotional, we counter act our own essence. Aristotle believed it is habit and without a solid background of principle that will cause serious issues. That virtue is an activity, not just a state of mind but an act in a state of activity. Like the olympics, those who act win and rightly win. In terms of virtue those who act and prepare against irrational/emotional tendencies prevail. Virtuous activity is pleasant and no further pleasure will be sought. External factors play a role in happiness and do not provide happiness but without them there is no happiness to perform noble acts. External factors affect your life but as well does chance. Virtuous person can be unhappy but never miserable. Blessedness is virtuous and having good external factors.
