Aristotle’s Account of Eudemonia and the Defence of Altruism
Abstract
Aristotle’s Theory of Eudemonia is based on a profound perception of humanity. This theory is consistently practical for ordinary people, albeit in discussions about happiness and its components or explanations of varying lifestyles. Aristotle’s conception can be used to achieve a realistic ‘the best life’, which largely contrasts other eudemonic theories that can only realistically be applied by philosophical or divine individuals. In this essay, it will be argued that self-interest and other concerning factors exist with Aristotle’s theory, even though Aristotle himself never refuted the claim that his theory is profoundly egoistic. The self-interested aspect of Aristotelian theory is only relevant to how individuals perceive humans in general. Nonetheless, other concerns (such as how individuals treat others and the outcomes of their actions) are legitimate. Aristotle’s most significant achievement in this field was his promotion of virtue as a means of resolving any potential conflict between individuals’ personal interests and the outside world.
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