In class we have been discussing Aristotle, "The Philosopher." While he learned under Plato's teachings, he disagreed with his teacher on many major philosophical concepts. For Aristotle, truth came from actions; one had to practice to understand. Plato believed ideas brought truth; one had to understand to practice.
I find myself agreeing more so with Aristotle's findings than Plato's beliefs. Aristotle studied Virtue Ethics, the building of a virtuous person. He stood behind this notion that virtues were not innate, they must be learned and taught and perfected by habitual application. In order for an individual to become a more virtuous person, they needed to watch, study, or follow another individual deemed righteous or virtuous by society. While for some it is unclear how we can differentiate virtuous actions from those of a more vicious nature, we nonetheless are inclined to follow someone who possesses a certain quality that we wish to see in ourselves, perhaps courage, love, joy, patience, or discipline. Much like the "What would Jesus do?" concept.
This concept of finding an exemplary example of virtue lead me to a verse in the Bible. 1 Corinthians 11:1 says, "Follow me, as I follow Christ" (HCSB). Other translations may read "Imitate me, as I imitate Christ." Paul (the Apostle) wrote these words to spur on the members of his church in Corinth, advising them to use his life as an example to become more like Christ. Jesus Himself called His disciples by telling them to follow Him. Christians are even know as "Followers of Christ."
I believe Aristotle understand that human nature is naturally corrupt and incapable of being righteous or virtuous by our own accord. We need an example to follow, someone to light the way. One of the blogs last week used the quote, "Be the change you want to see in the world." All of us--in one way or another--strive to be better versions of ourselves; perhaps for this to happen we simply need the right role model to follow.
I believe that you're completely spot on. We, as a society, all follow something. To follow is the act of imitating/copying a leader or something else. Through history, nations have copied others in order to help and evolve themselves. Many people follow a certain high being that is able to guide them (Religion). Children follow their parents in order to learn and develop. Some people follow their peers in order to feel accepted. There's always going to be following happening among people because that's the only way people will be able to evolve and become better. This is the reason people are able to be virtuous because of the natural following of other virtuous leaders. There would be no virtuous leaders or virtuous decisions if it had never been known.
ReplyDeleteJade Housewirth
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ReplyDeleteIt is very interesting on how much Aristotle and Christian doctrine tend to line up together on many issues. An integral figure in the reformation, Thomas Aquinas, was a lover of Aristotle's work. More specifically, he used Aristotle's Theory of Metaphysics as an example as to why the Eucharist could still be the actual blood and body of Christ without the substance itself changing (wine and bread). I found it interesting that you drew conclusions from the Christian faith to Aristotle's work just as Aquinas did. I believe many people of faith would appreciate philosophers like Aristotle if they gave him a fair shake.
ReplyDeletePhilosophy can be so frustrating at times. I'm with you on this one, people need the perfect example of Jesus Christ to truly understand virtues and to see them in action. Aristotle though seems to think these examples exist outside of God and rests in normal everyday people, which still to me makes no sense. If everyday people were good enough to follow because they're 'virtuous' then how come they need to look to others to learn?? Thanks for pointing out the answer in Jesus, the One we can ultimately look towards for the truth and the light.
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