Aristotle's Theory Of The Function Of Man

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Function of Man

Aristotle’s theory of “the function” is that all things, whether living or dead, have a specific function which they are designed to carry out, or preform. The good of something not only depends upon what that function is, but on how well that function is done. This is shown when he states, “ ...the good and the well is thought to reside in the function...” (Darwall, 8). Man, he argues, has a function that is unique and that sets him apart from any other animal or plant. In general, the function of man has to do with his intellect or reasoning capabilities, because the ability to think, and fulfil his social and political functions. “There remains, then, an active life of the element that has a rational principle; of this, one part has such a principle in the sense of being obedient to one, the other in the sense of possessing one and exercising thought” (Darwall, 8 - 9). He implies that the ultimate good of man should be apparent when he preforms his function well.
“...and we state the function of man to be a certain kind of life, and this to be an activity or actions of the soul implying a rational principle, and the function of a good man to be the good and noble performance of these, and if any action is well performed when it is performed in accordance with the appropriate excellence: ...human good turns out to be activity of soul exhibiting excellence, and if there are more than one excellence, in accordance with the best and most complete” (Darwall, 9).
A function is an activity that is reason-based, and is something that a thing is fitted to do, or used for. To find out what kind of thing a human being is, we must first know what the function of that human is.(Class notes 1/13/04). Aristotle is saying that the function of man is ultimately something that he is able to do very well, which in turn serves his community. “...since man is born for citizenship” (Darwall, 8). Choosing to...