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The practice of moral virtue is the
practice of habits that makes us take the
middle ground and the avoidance of evil
acts like adultery and stealing.
These acts plus “generosity, good
temper, friendship, and self-respect” lead
us to be better and live a good life. The
happy man lives a most pleasant life and
it is no wonder that people like to live
like happy man.
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Aristotle reminds us that though we
may have the moral capacity but it is not a
guarantee that we cannot go wrong.
For Aristotle, it is
not enough to know
what is right to be right.
What is right for him is
knowing that it is right
and choosing to do it.
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But Aristotle adds that human
nature is not only about rationality.
We have vegetative and
appetitive souls.
When we practice virtue and
exercise our rationality we do not
deny the other capacities. We read,
feed our spirit and practice virtues
but we do not forget also to eat
and sleep and take care of our
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body.
The end, goal, purpose (or meaning)
of human life is to live well.
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The most important moral virtues or
habits are moderation, courage, and justice.
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Other Perspectives of Living the
Good Life
1. Epicureanism
2. Stoicism
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3. Others find meaning in living through religion and the
faith that there is a Creator who plans well the universe for
humans to enjoy.
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