The Pleasure Thesis in the Eudemian Ethics

Bonasio, G.

Abstract

This paper argues that in the Eudemian Ethics (EE), Aristotle aims to prove the Pleasure Thesis (PT). According to the Pleasure Thesis, happiness is the most pleasant thing of all. Through a reconstruction of the argument in favor of PT, this paper shows that happiness is most pleasant for three reasons: (1) it is pleasant by definition; (2) it is constituted by the most pleasant activities (virtuous actions and contemplation); (3) it is pleasant by nature. A reconstruction of the argument in favor of PT is philosophically interesting not only in order to better understand the argument in the EE—and in particular the debated status and role of NE VII/EE VI.11–14—but also insofar as it sheds light on the relation between the pleasant and the good.

Citation

Bonasio, G. (2022). The Pleasure Thesis in the Eudemian Ethics. Journal of the History of Philosophy, 60(4), 521-536. https://doi.org/10.1353/hph.2022.0051

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 25, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Oct 7, 2022
• Publication Date: 2022-10
• Deposit Date: Jun 7, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 11, 2022
• Journal: Journal of the History of Philosophy
• Print ISSN: 0022-5053
• Electronic ISSN: 1538-4586
• Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 60
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 521-536
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1353/hph.2022.0051
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1241631