The Relationship Between Practical Wisdom And Good Life

In Aristotelian ethics,practical wisdom is a crucial category,which has irreplaceable significance and function for us to understand and obtain good life.It is of great theoretical significance and practical value to analyze the meaning of practical wisdom and good life and reveal the relationship between them.In Nicomachean Ethics,Aristotle develops and improves the category of practical wisdom on the basis of inheriting the ethical thoughts of Socrates and Plato.Aristotle believes that practical wisdom is the ability of rational virtue to deal with human practical affairs,and the attitude and method of people with virtue to deal with emotions.A person with practical wisdom can not only grasp the general good,but also find a proper state in specific actions.Practical wisdom is not an innate ability,but a tool to be acquired through practice.Aristotle distinguishes practical wisdom from theoretical wisdom,practical wisdom from moral virtue,and practical wisdom from skill.Socrates’ interpretation of the good life had a certain influence on Aristotle.They both believed that the good life was about human life and focused on the wholeness of life.Happiness is Aristotle’s idea of a good life.It is not desired as a subjective feeling,nor as a good quality,but as an objective criterion of prosperity and well-being.A good life is different from happiness and virtue.The original Confucian discrimination of good life,the contemporary evaluation standard of good life,and Nussbaum’s discussion of the vulnerability of good life all help us to understand good life more deeply.In Aristotle,practical wisdom is closely related to the good life,and this perspective,this position,this approach,is of great guiding significance for us to examine and judge personal and social life.Aristotle believed that practice without the guidance of practical wisdom is blind and cannot lead to a good life.The good life itself contains certain standards and requirements,and presupposes knowledge and insight about it.The Middle way principle is the only way to pursue a good life through practical wisdom,which is often compared with the Confucian Middle Way.To achieve a good life,we need to pay special attention to the cultivation of virtue,the perfection of personality and the enrichment of soul.Aristotle’s definition of practical wisdom and good life and the explanation of the relationship between them greatly encouraged our enthusiasm and confidence in pursuing a good life,and enhanced our motivation and ability to pursue a good life.