Plato'S Theory Of Absolute Happiness

Introduction

Platos point of view astir(predicate) happiness is all the way seen almostly in his Middle Dialogues. One of his central claims which is expressed in his play The state is that justice is not precisely desirable for its own sake, precisely that it actually maximizes the happiness of those who physical exertion it. This essay will examine Platos arguments in financial support of this thesis, first-yearly to determine what he spuriouss by happiness, to what terminus it exists in his proposed ideal state, and whether this in any way supports his claims about the benefits of justice. In particular, I will argue that there be two different conceptions of happiness at his play The Republic , and two methods of achieving its highest form, namely justice and philosophy, before arriving at a final definition of the Platonic form of happiness a matter that Plato touches on only briefly in the text, but that is neverthe little central to his thinking on the subject.
Happiness and Pleasure
The first and most authoritative question that must be asked is what does Plato mean by happiness? The word used to describe it most often in the text is benefit , which may also be translated as flourishing 1.



This implies a process or form of activity, whereas happiness tends to suggest a state of discernment or an emotion ranging from satisfaction through to absolute joy. However, it would be a mistake to focus too much on this distinction as Plato uses the word more or less interchangeably with pleasure, and eudaimonia also carries the same indulgent connotations as the English word happiness. In symmetry with the central analogy of the Republic between the state and the soul, however, eudaimonia can be equally well applied to both. Indeed, Socrates states several(prenominal) times that flourishing related to society is more important than the happiness of any individual class. As he tell: our aim in founding the city is not to present one group outstandingly happy, but to make the self-coloured city as happy as possible 2, implying...If you indispensability to get a full essay, order it on our website: Ordercustompaper.com



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