Consider the case of someone like Stephen Hawking,a brilliant physicist who has been largely paralyzed by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS/Lou Gehrig's disease).Which of the following MOST closely aligns with what Aristotle calls the common understanding of happiness?
A) He is incapable of becoming truly happy.
B) His scientific success replaces the loss of mobility.
C) His paralysis hampers his ability to flourish.
D) His paralysis assists in his ability to flourish.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Aristotle, happiness is the ultimate goal of human beings and it is achieved through eudaimonia, which is a state of flourishing that results from living a life of virtue and fulfilling one's potential. In the case of Stephen Hawking, his paralysis hampers his ability to physically flourish, and therefore, challenges his ability to achieve eudaimonia or true happiness according to Aristotle's teachings.

Consider the Case of Someone Like Stephen Hawking,a Brilliant Physicist