Aristotle argues that a
life of contemplation is a virtuous activity that contains the final end of
happiness.
Contemplation is not only the highest activity, but it is the most continuous,
because one can study and enjoy what they know more easily than any other activity.
This activity uses the highest self which is the intellect, and activities that
conform to virtues along with theoretical wisdom are the most pleasant. For the
virtuous man will find what is most pleasant to him to be in conformity with
virtue.
Contemplation is also self-sufficient in that one can study by himself
and is not dependent on any external goods. Although one can greatly benefit
from having others around him to contemplate with, this activity is possible to
do alone and does not absolutely need others. Even though sufficient
nourishment of the body is required to contemplate, this can be said for all
virtuous activity and thus ignored.
Contemplation is also performed for its own
sake and not as a means to something else. Here Aristotle is talking about
contemplation in terms of enjoying what one already knows and not in terms of
studying at school as a means to get a job or a degree. Finally, contemplation
is done as leisure and contains the highest amount of freedom from fatigue. One
works so that he may have time for leisure. For all of these reasons, Aristotle
believes that contemplation is the virtuous activity that holds the final end
which is happiness.
-BaylorBear16
You say that "Contemplation is also performed for its own sake and not as a means to something else." Do you think this is also true for virtuous activity? sure, the end which it seeks is happiness, but isn't virtue constitutive of happiness? Can't we in a similar fashion say that contemplation is a means to happiness? It can't be happiness itself because the virtues aren't a means to contemplation. I don't know what A's answers are here...
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