objective list

Connor Newlin

I would have to say the Objective List Theory is the most defendable of the three arguments. The theory states that intrinsic good comes from a solid list of human needs: pleasure, desires satisfied, knowledge, achievement, beauty, relationships, and freedom. Just from reading this list one may think: what more do you need in life? The theory is hard to argue because the list seems like a blanket statement covering random human desires and needs. Aristotle states that many of the things on the list are connected in a way which makes the list seem much less random than one may initially think. This is one of the major objections, however the list doesn’t seem to need any additions and the ones on the list are hard to fight. This list is thought out and targeted to cover the exact needs and fits perfectly. Another objection is that this list is too paternalistic but to the list is not a governing nature it is simply observing what humans need and desire the most. The reason it has such good intentions like a “father” is because human’s intrinsic good looks out for our best interests and what we need deep down.

Most acts that we do to feel good about ourselves are striving towards one of the things on this list. One way or another, happiness comes from one of the key principals and as argued by Aristotle they all tend to connect to each other. Having extensive knowledge will lead to achievement and relationships lead to pleasure, the list goes on and on. If people were to set goals to achieve things on this list they would surely find happiness as they pursue it. In a way I would argue this can be used as a guide to intrinsic success but many will find happiness and realize it all came from elements on this list.