I fabricated the word "tottles" ..it had a novelty ring to it and added an attracting title. This post will address some of Aristotle's primary theories in conjunction to classroom discussions. We spoke today about the interconnection of pleasure and happiness and the notion that there are higher and lower pleasures that Aristotle did not necessarily outline, but can be formulated from application of his theories in the real world. Is it through our natural and good intuition to experience higher pleasures as opposed to lower order pleasures? Do the higher and lower levels correspond to the flesh or to the mind or both? After recognizing our experiences with the short term high level pleasures is it possible to falter and crave short term low level pleasures? Does this cause detriment to our overall character?
In a separate discussion Aristotle's belief of "natural slaves" was deconstructed. A few questions came to mind: did Aristotle's classification of those who were slaves correspond strictly to a man's lack of natural abilities or a cultural/personal perceived notion of insignificance (relating to age, race, gender, social status, etc). The slaves experienced a happy state of affairs when their superior rational owners used reason and good to conduct their authority. How can this be considered valid in any facet? Is this not a paradox in which the victim owes the victimizer? The oppressive set of circumstances of one committed to serve another (sometimes unjustly) serves no function relating to respect and honor of those asserting their power. Human nature should be universal, not defined by higher social order, race, gender, or subjective views.
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