Ancient Greek political thought Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Ancient Greek political thought - Essay Example Through the said goal to achieve goodness and happiness, one of the main concerns is the subjectivity of the views of the people. One’s goal can be another human beings greatest fear. An achievement can be good for a person but not a source of happiness for another (Aristotle Book 1 Chapter 1). Due to the said view and the attempt to explore ethical issues, Aristotle found it fitting to search for the way by which human beings can achieve common happiness thus the need for synchronization and harmony in their actions and activities. To be able to achieve such goal, Aristotle expressed the need for politics. According to him, if every person is aiming for the happiness based on his own perspective, there will come a point wherein his happiness would be hindered by the fact that another person’s goals are prohibiting such occurrence. In such scenario, conflict can be considered inevitable. This can then be considered as the end to one’s happiness despite of the fact that the person is continuously working for it. For that matter, it can be considered that in the quest for one’s happiness, it is important to consider needs of other people. This can then define the chief goodness or the happiness of the people (Aristotle Book 1 Chapter 2). Based on the view of Aristotle then, it is important to aim for common happiness of the people. This according to him can be undertaken through politics which he defined to apply the different fields of sciences. Due to the said fact, it can then be considered to target the good of man and inevitable the achievement of happiness. He then expressed that consequently, the application of political thoughts can lead to happiness. Socrates on the other hand expressed that the way to achieve happiness is through a virtuous life. A life of contemplation and wisdom to live beyond material issues can be considered as the main