The Limits of Aristotle's Teleology and the Ethics of Eternal Existence

Soyo's Philosophical Essay on the Ethics of Contemplative Existence

Aristotle's Virtue and Purpose

In Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle defined the purpose of human existence as “happiness (eudaimonia).” This happiness does not stem from mere pleasure or sensory satisfaction, but from a life practicing ‘virtue (arete)’. He called virtue ‘the mean (the middle way)’, and believed humans only become complete members of the community by habitually practicing virtue according to reason (logos).

This system represented a significant advancement in the ancient world. It understood humans not merely as objects of fate or myth, but as subjects capable of perfecting their lives through the active practice of virtue. However, Aristotle's system was ultimately rooted in a finite world. His teleology confined humans to beings pursuing perfection on earth, not as transcendent entities.

The Question of the Origin of Virtue and the Origin of Ethics

Aristotle stated, “Virtue must be practiced,” but he did not sufficiently answer why virtue must be practiced, where that virtue comes from, or what the foundation of ethics is.

Does virtue simply arise from human training? Is ethics merely a product of social consensus? If so, the virtue humans cultivate would vanish if the community collapsed, and ethics would be nothing more than unstable norms shaken by changing times.

Yet humans know deep within their conscience. The origin of virtue and ethics does not stem solely from human agreement, but flows from a greater source. It is the spark of truth originating from the Being who created humanity.

The Limits of Finite Teleology

Aristotle's teleology was brilliant, yet it ultimately confined human existence within the framework of finitude. He stated that just as a seed grows into a tree, humans attain happiness by cultivating virtue. However, a crucial question is missing here.

Where does a virtuous person go after death?

Does the fulfillment of human life reside solely in communal happiness?

Does the end of virtue and ethics conclude on this earth, or does it extend into a greater dimension?

Aristotle remained silent on this question. His teleology viewed humans as “beings capable of completion,” yet that completion was interpreted solely within the finite confines of community.

The Eternal Teleology of the Ethics of Being

The Ethics of Being takes a step further here. Human existence is not simply perfected for the sake of earthly communities. Humanity's purpose is eternity.

For humans did not come into being by themselves; they are created beings. When humans live by practicing virtue, it is not merely for social benefit, but to advance toward the eternal perfection prepared by the Creator.

Therefore, the perfection of existence is not ethics itself, but rather when existence lives as ethics, it reaches eternity. Humans who live out ethics already bear witness to eternal life on this earth, advancing beyond death toward the dignified purpose of creation.

Reward Open to Eternity

When humans live ethically, their lives are never in vain.

Small acts of kindness, conscience guarded through tears, sacrifice chosen for love... All these are records of eternity seen by the Creator.

Aristotle said virtue completes happiness, yet that happiness remained bound to this earth. But the Ethics of Roaming Being declares: The path of ethics lived by humans is ultimately proof that they were nobly created as beings who never die, and its completion is the reward prepared by the Creator.

Soyo's Proposition

“Humanity and ethics are not definitions of a rightly lived life, but words confining us to finite frameworks. Humanity's infinite eternity and dignity are truths already proven by God's love. Virtue and ethics are not synonymous. Virtue is the journey on this earth; ethics is eternal life, the flame of truth poured into human conscience through God's freedom.”

Aristotle's teleology opened the precious horizon of “virtue and happiness” for humanity. Yet it was fulfillment within a finite world. Soyo's Existential Ethics transcends this limit, declaring the true purpose of human existence is eternity.

Human beings are not merely entities who accumulate virtue to complete communal life. They are dignified evidence of creation, living out ethics and entering eternity through that life.

Soyo (逍遙) – Founder of Soyo Existential Ethics, Author of "The Silence of Being and The Flame of Truth."

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