Wish

Definition

In Aristotle's framework, a wish is a desire for something that is perceived as good, often involving a longing for things that are not present or achievable in the immediate context. It plays a crucial role in shaping emotions and desires, as it reflects an individual's aspirations and motivations while also interacting with rational thought and ethical considerations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wishing can be seen as the first step in the process of desire, where one identifies what they consider good or desirable.
2. According to Aristotle, wishes can guide emotions, influencing how individuals feel about their circumstances and choices.
3. Wishes are not always grounded in reality; they can reflect ideal scenarios that may never come to fruition.
4. In Aristotle's ethical framework, the alignment of wishes with rational thought is essential for achieving true happiness or eudaimonia.
5. Aristotle argues that unfulfilled wishes can lead to feelings of frustration or dissatisfaction, affecting one's overall emotional well-being.

Review Questions

• How does Aristotle differentiate between wish and desire in his theory of emotions?
  • Aristotle distinguishes between wish and desire by positioning wish as a longing for perceived goods, while desire is often more immediate and visceral. Wishes can encompass broader aspirations or ideals, whereas desires tend to relate to specific objects or experiences one seeks. This differentiation highlights how wishes set the stage for desires, as they reflect our higher-order beliefs about what is valuable.
• In what ways do wishes influence emotions according to Aristotle's philosophy?
  • Wishes significantly influence emotions by shaping how individuals respond to their circumstances. When someone wishes for something good, it can evoke positive emotions like hope or excitement. Conversely, unfulfilled wishes can lead to negative feelings such as disappointment or sadness. Aristotle illustrates that our emotional states are deeply tied to our capacity to wish, reinforcing the interconnectedness of desire and emotion in human experience.
• Critically analyze the relationship between rationality and wishing in Aristotle's view. How does this impact ethical behavior?
  • Aristotle presents the relationship between rationality and wishing as fundamental to ethical behavior. He argues that genuine wishes must align with rational thought; otherwise, they may lead individuals astray from their moral compass. A rationally guided wish promotes ethical actions aligned with eudaimonia, while irrational wishes can result in poor decisions. This analysis underscores the importance of cultivating rationality in our wishing process to ensure our desires contribute positively to our character and actions.

Related terms

Desire: A strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something, often linked to emotional responses and motivations.

Emotion: A complex psychological state that involves a subjective experience, a physiological response, and a behavioral or expressive response.

Rationality:

The quality of being based on or agreeable to reason; the capacity to make decisions based on logical thinking rather than on feelings alone.