The Thomistic Institute
The Search For Meaning: A Talk On Finding Happiness | Prof. Alexander Pruss
Nov 7, 2019
Philosophy professor Prof. Alexander Pruss delves into Aristotle's concept of happiness, exploring pleasure, moral goodness, friendship, and love. He discusses a thought experiment involving a machine for desired life experiences, prompting reflections on true fulfillment. The podcast also examines factors influencing happiness like achievement, reputation, and the role of death. Additionally, it touches on acquiring infinite knowledge through transformative relationships and the pursuit of eternal growth for true happiness.
53:49
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Quick takeaways
- Aristotle emphasizes intrinsic value in pursuits like freedom as key to happiness, contrasting with mere tools.
- Eternal happiness entails an infinitely transformative relationship with an infinite being for perpetual growth.
Deep dives
Components of Happiness
Riding horses for Aristotle symbolizes winning battles, which equates to preserving freedom as a key pursuit. He argues for finite aims in life that hold intrinsic value, suggesting pursuits like freedom are worth having for their own sake, unlike mere tools like bridles. These innate pursuits, including freedom, illustrate what Aristotle terms as happiness or flourishing, encompassing desires beyond mere pleasure or physical achievements.
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