Philosophy 152 Philosophy of Human Nature Darwall Fall 1996 ARISTOTLE III I Excellent human activity and ideals of excellence. A. Praxis vs. Poiesis: action chosen for its own sake vs. behavior directed toward a further goal. B. Praxisis distinctively human. C. Praxis requires the acceptance of an ideal. Actions are chosen as noble in themselves. II Relation of virtuous activity to character. A. When does an act that a just person would do reveal the virtuous character trait of justice? Only if it is chosen for the reasons that the just person would choose it. Only if it is chosen for its own sake. Again, this reinforces Aristotle's point. Praxis is distinctively human activity, and the good life for human beings involves realizing an ideal (that one accepts). B. Such a life is pleasurable for one who leads it, but the pleasure is a consequence of the virtuous person's wholehearted embrace of her life (as good and as satisfying her ideal); it is not what makes her life good. III Friendship and its role in the good life. A. Three kinds of friendship: i. relationships of usefulness ii. relationships of mutual pleasure iii. relationships of mutual virtue B. Only iii is a genuine friendship and an essential part of the good life. Why?