I like and agree with the discussion of cultivating character. The stronger and wiser our character, the more we will act in accordance to what is “right” and the more we can bring about positive experiences for ourselves and others.
But as I see it, the ultimate goal is better experiences for conscious creatures. So I am skeptical of the goal of living up to our potential by striving after what makes us most human. I think such a virtue could only be derived from how it may lead to better lives for living things (which I think it would as Aristotle defines it). But similarly it would not necessarily be good for the world if our first human ancestors 200,000 years ago all lived up to strictly what made them most human. The goal of what makes us uniquely human seems interesting, but beside the point.
I also think that we tend to find cultivating our character meaningful, but there’s no need for this secondary goal to then decide to cultivate your own character.
I like and agree with the discussion of cultivating character. The stronger and wiser our character, the more we will act in accordance to what is “right” and the more we can bring about positive experiences for ourselves and others.
But as I see it, the ultimate goal is better experiences for conscious creatures. So I am skeptical of the goal of living up to our potential by striving after what makes us most human. I think such a virtue could only be derived from how it may lead to better lives for living things (which I think it would as Aristotle defines it). But similarly it would not necessarily be good for the world if our first human ancestors 200,000 years ago all lived up to strictly what made them most human. The goal of what makes us uniquely human seems interesting, but beside the point.
I also think that we tend to find cultivating our character meaningful, but there’s no need for this secondary goal to then decide to cultivate your own character.