Aristotle

With a partner or small group, compose a document that includes the following information about the Aristotle's philosophy.  To do so, you will use the internet to research & gather information.

Sources: 
http://www.pursuit-of-happiness.org/history-of-happiness/aristotle/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Character_Strengths_and_Virtues

• Happiness
• Write a paragraph that includes the following information, in your own words
• What is the path to happiness according to Aristotle?
• What are some areas that Aristotle influenced and how did he do so?  (Not all, pick a few).
• What was the Lyceum and what did it value?
• Philosophy
• For each of the following topics, write a 2-5 sentences in a bulleted list describing Aristotle's view on the issue.
• Why does Aristotle see Happiness as the end goal of life, and how is it inherently different from things like wealth, power, prestige?
• How does his definition of happiness vary from conventional uses of the word?
• What makes humans unique, and why is that important for us?
• What does Aristotle say about choices, virtue, and short vs. long term satisfaction?  Give concrete examples, either from the reading or your own ideas & experiences.
• What is the purpose of education according to Aristotle?
• Describe Aristotle's view on friendship
• Describe the "Golden Mean" (don't neglect the details of what it actually entails)
• Virtues
• Aristotle proposes that establishing character virtue is the path to happiness.  Positive Psychology is an area of psychology that attempts to engage with a lot of these same concepts (A project Haidt also endorses).  
• Martin Seligman laid out a modern list of virtues divided into 24 character strengths.  He argues that if you can focus on your strengths in your career & life you will be happier.
• Take a moment and read over the list of 24 strengths on your own.  Secretly answer the following on another sheet of paper, then share with your group.
• What are your top three character strengths?
• What are the top three character strengths of each member of your group, as far as you know?
• After discussion, record the top three strengths of each member of your group.
• Having read about Aristotle and all three Greco-Roman schools of thought on Happiness, which best fits your worldview and why?  If you group disagrees, you can write separate answers for each member.