1. Aristotle Aristotle’s way of philosophizing (his method)
Plato and Aristotle have opposing views
Sensation gives us the truth
Happiness and Friendship

2. Aristotle’s Method Aristotle wrote “treatises,” not dialogues
A treatise is an essay that describes research and the conclusions that follow from it.
Aristotle emphasized that analysis is essential to good thinking
Analysis – the “breaking down” of ideas into details and categories

3. Plato vs Aristotle: Opposing Views
Truth is based on the careful analysis of sensations; reason without observation cannot be trusted
Reality is temporal and spatial
Goodness and Happiness are the same; a morally good life that is best for the individual
Truth is based on reason; opinions cannot be trusted
Reality is eternal, outside time and space (forms)
Goodness is an ideal always to be sought, but never completely found
Happiness is living the morally good life – courage, wisdom, moderation, Justice

4. The Cave (Aristotle’s View)
Most people are prisoners of a lack of analysis
The world of ideas exists only in our minds
Ideas are based on our sensations
True ideas are properly analyzed and categorized
False ideas are subjective reactions, opinions without detailed evidence

5. Aristotle: How the idea (form) of “horse” is constructed in the mind
We analyze many similar experiences and discover some common characteristics
A “horse” is a large, solid hoofed, herbivorous mammal.

6. Happiness
For Aristotle, to be happy is to achieve the most out of our individual talents and abilities. Happiness is the goal of life.
Be courageous, just, wise, and disciplined in our own way
Friends are the most valuable resource for happiness

7. What are friends?
Friends are individuals who have something in common, a bond that unites them. There are three kinds of friends, all worth having
Useful friends, bonded by an exchange of helpfulness
Pleasant friends, bonded by pleasure and good times
Good friends, bonded by a mutual desire to lead one another to happiness

8. Useful Friends
A useful friend is one who helps you in day to day affairs – the bus driver, the teacher, the friend who does your hair

9. Pleasant Friends
A pleasant friend is one who helps you have a good time, to laugh, to enjoy life

10. Good Friends
A good friend is one who helps you be a better person, one who tells you when you are on the wrong track, one who has your good at heart
You are very fortunate to have even one good friend!