Psychology of Aspiration (Rawls)

ARISTOTELIAN PRINCIPLE “Human beings enjoy the exercise of their realized capacities (their innate or trained abilities), and this enjoyment increases the more the capacity is realized, or the greater its complexity.” John Rawls Theory of Justice

“ARISTOTELIAN PRINCIPLE” AT WORK

WHY IS THE “ARISTOTELIAN PRINCIPLE” TRUE? Our brains/minds are remarkable tools with great capacity. We get bored easily. Complex activities are more enjoyable because they satisfy the desire for variety and novelty. Complex activities leave room for ingenuity and intervention. Complex activities evoke the reaction of anticipation and surprise. Complex activities fascinate. Simple activities exclude possibility of individual style and personal expression.

WHY IS THE ARISTOTELIAN PRINCIPLE VALUABLE? It is helpful in a theory of what constitutes the “good life,” in that it states a “deep psychological fact which, in conjunction with other general facts and the conception of a rational plan, accounts for our considered judgments of value. The things that are commonly thought of as human goods should turn out to be the ends and activities that have a major place in rational (life) plans…it therefore has a place in moral theory.”

ELEMENTS OF HAPPINESS MONEY. POWER. FAME. NO... SELF ESTEEM According to the empirical research by psychologist Kennon M. Sheldon of the University of Missouri, the things that really make one happy are: SELF ESTEEM INTIMACY WITH OTHERS SENSE OF AUTONOMY THE FEELING OF COMPETENCE

ELEMENTS OF HAPPINESS Why? Close relationships with others and a positive self-image are sources of joy that replenish you again and again, while the thrill that comes from buying something, such as a new car, vanishes the moment you see the next ‘item’ you want. His recommendation: “Worry less about what you have and more about who you are* * This is the theme of an excellent book by Erich mm entitled, To Have Or To Be.

Soren Kiekegaard Danish philosopher “The truly great ethical personality would seek to realize his (her) life in the following manner: He would strive to develop himself with the utmost exertion of his powers.” Soren Kiekegaard Danish philosopher

“Life must be lived forward, but it can only be understood backwards.” Soren Kiekegaard

Discussion Questions What is the “Aristotelian Principle?” Rawls claims that the “Aristotelian Principle” is a basic principle of motivation. Is what ways is it consistent with, or inconsistent with Maslow’s theory of motivation? What are some examples of ways in which you recognize the “Aristotelian Principle” at work in your life? How does the “Aristotelian Principle” relate to evolutionary biology? The “Aristotelian Principle” is said by Rawls to be a theory of human good. What does it say to you about organizing a plan for your (good) life?