Similarities Between Aristotle And Aquinas - 1207 Words

Both Aristotle and Aquinas were prominent philosophers who wrote profound works that discussed the concept of the highest human good and how humans can achieve it. In Aristotle’s, Nicomachean Ethics, the highest human good is a state of constant seeking knowledge as a way of achieving full capacity as a human. The writings of Aquinas are similar to Aristotle, but, in Treatise on Law, he discusses the type and elements of law. His discourse on law ultimately names the highest human good as being in the perfect community with God. Aquinas’s argument supports obedience to law, preexisting inclinations for the good, and a resolution. Aristotle requires that the person constantly seek knowledge and be at work, which can act as a positive force†¦show more content†¦When happiness/proper function of a human is chosen as the final or highest good, it is not something humans simply achieve, it is a state of activity that humans set as a standard. Aristotle presented his interpretation of the highest good in a way that values the full use of human capacities. The function of a human is being in activity of the soul, according to reason and virtue. Humans have the capacity to investigate and think beyond. Aristotle recognized the importance of searching for knowledge and wrote about the human need to reach full capacity. Aristotle believed that humans are responsible for how the good appears, as well as how they know what is truly good. It is the responsibility of the person to exercise their brain and drive themselves to obtain wisdom that benefits their lives (1141b). However, Aquinas viewed Aristotle’s argument as inadequate because they were deeply focused on this world only. Aquinas’s definition the final highest good offers a sense of finality and hope, by including God’s transcendence. If a person is truly good, they can reach the end and be successful in finding community with God. Also, he believed that the answers were already determined, and that they don’t need to be figured out. God, according to Aquinas has already implanted the law that guides humans to the end.Show MoreRelatedSt. Thomas Aquinas Of The Personalist / Natural Law Ethics888 Words   |  4 Pagestheories having similarities, one cannot said that one theory is the same to another. For the reason, I personality felt as every time that there was a new theory introduced, I tried to see how it applied to my life. As the different theories were presented in our Ethical Theory class, the theory that stood out and reignited the most is St. Thomas Aquinas of the personalist /natural law ethics. St. Thomas Aquinas natural laws theory developed from a non-Christian that was Aristotle. Despite manyRead MoreGreek Philosophies Impact On The Early Development Of Christian Thought1348 Words   |  6 Pagesperceived by the sense, which is then rationally evaluated. 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