Aristotle states that all humans have a "telos", or a purpose in life. It has to be something particular and unlike any other living thing, such as survival or sensation. Suppose that Aristotle is in fact correct, and where not just mindlessly roaming the Earth for no reason. What then, determines our purpose? Is it predetermined, and was every funny little coincidence and occurrence that lead up to this exact moment somehow planned in order to find our purpose? Or is our life just a long pathway of random decisions and events thrown at us and we have adapt to them in a way that we can reach our fullest potential? If it's the latter, then what if you don't adapt correctly or play your cards right, and imminently reach your end without ever finding this purpose? Does it mean that your life was completely useless and somewhat worthless, and a life without finding a purpose is a meaningless one?
Not only is that terrifying, but suppose you lead a mostly virtuous life, doing almost everything that is relatively right and correct. Is that everyone's purpose or does our purpose differ from conscience to conscience, such that Jim's expertise in physics and William's charitable nature in gratuity are their own purpose in life fulfilled?
Even then, how does one know what is their exact purpose, if not predetermined? Does not fulfilling your purpose strip you from the virtue of happiness? Say I don't fulfill this purpose, yet a feel extremely content and satisfied with my life? Does this mean I am a faulty human being, or is that pretty much my "telos", if I'm happy.
This is the stream of questions while trying to understand Aristotle's concept of purpose. I don't entirely know how to answer them myself, but wanted to share with everyone else, and perhaps give you all something to think about as well.
Your questions are very interesting and give a lot of opportunity for thought. I personally believe we each have a different purpose and therefore carry our lives in ways, that even though may be unplanned by us, lead us closer to achieving our previous set goals. I also agree it is a bit scary but I think in the end everything will be worth all the confusion.
ReplyDeleteYour questions are very interesting and give a lot of opportunity for thought. I personally believe we each have a different purpose and therefore carry our lives in ways, that even though may be unplanned by us, lead us closer to achieving our previous set goals. I also agree it is a bit scary but I think in the end everything will be worth all the confusion.
ReplyDelete