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The Thomistic Institute
Can I Actually Be Fulfilled? Ancient Insights Into Human Good | Prof. Candace Vogler
Aug 30, 2024
Candace Vogler, a philosophy professor at the University of Chicago, delves into the quest for fulfillment through ancient wisdom. She explores the highest good in ethics, contrasting views of Mill, Kant, and Aquinas. Vogler highlights Aquinas' insights on beatitude, the differences between earthly happiness and divine fulfillment, and critiques contemporary moral thought's disconnect from classical philosophy. She also discusses the interplay of self-love and practical reason in Kantian ethics, illuminating how these ideas shape our understanding of happiness and moral action.
40:25
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast highlights the contrasting views on the highest good, emphasizing Aquinas's connection to divine fulfillment over modern moral interpretations.
- It explores the persistent philosophical puzzle of striving for the highest good, as illustrated by Mill and Kant's insights on happiness and virtue.
Deep dives
The Concept of the Highest Good in Philosophy
The discussion delves into the historical significance of the highest good in philosophical discourse, contrasting contemporary indifference with the emphasis placed on it in ancient and early modern thought. Classical philosophers recognized the highest good as foundational to ethics and political philosophy, where it served as a guiding principle in understanding right actions and moral obligations. Notably, figures like St. Thomas Aquinas bring a distinct perspective, where the highest good is intimately connected to the divine, which differs from modern interpretations that often center around moral actions devoid of broader metaphysical concerns. The recognition that many influential philosophers have claimed the unattainability of the highest good during one's lifetime introduces a persistent philosophical puzzle regarding its pursuit and realization.
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