Aristotles Politics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Aristotles Politics - Essay Example Therefore, at times, he tends to justify the status quo-making statements that some people are born to be slaves, and that a slave "is a possession of the animate sort"2 or that 'Hellenes' (Greeks) are superior to others (barbarians) These ideas may be reprehensible today to us, who favor a liberal approach. However, in discussing the views of the thinkers of antiquity we must remember the setting in which they were placed, and accept that circumstances and environment definitely play a major part in shaping thought processes. In his book, Politics (as also in his Ethics) Aristotle looks among other things at the political and the contemplative life, discussing what is involved in each type of life, and which one of these is preferable. He states that it is the manner in which "goods" are "partitioned" that separates men into three types. These goods he classifies into three, "external goods, goods of the body, and goods of the soul." The "happy man must have all three" of these type of goods.3 The soul is nobler than our bodies or our possessions. And "it is for the sake of the soul that goods external and goods of the body are eligible at all and (we) ought to choose them for the sake of the soul, and not the soul for the sake of them."4 Every human being should seek to be happy. But happiness should not be mistaken for the usual bodily pleasures. In his Ethics Aristotle says that the happiness that a person has achieved cannot be calculated on a short-term basis, but can be ascertained at the end of his life. When a person lives his life ensuring that the "activity of (his) soul (is) according to reason" (Ethics),5 then he attains happiness. The best life, for an individual and for a state, is the life of virtue, "when virtue has external goods enough for the performance of good actions."6 The extent of happiness which a person attains is in proportion to the virtue and wisdom which he possesses, and which leads to virtuous and wise action. A person is "happy and blessed not by reason of any external good, but in himself and by reason of his own nature."7 The difference between good fortune and happiness is that external goods (or good fortune) occur as a result of chance, but happiness which comes by temperate living or virtue is no chance happening. Temperate living comes from right actions that are done because a person possesses virtue and wisdom. Both a man of action and a man of contemplation can pursue a virtuous life-a life in which he uses his wisdom to do the right thing. The highest or best life for a man of action is the political life, while the highest type of contemplative life is the philosopher's life. To use Aristotle's own words," even those who agree in thinking that the life of virtue is the most eligible, raise a question, whether the life of business and politics is or

CEO of Apple Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

CEO of Apple - Term Paper Example He paid attention to the interests of his consumers as well as the employees (Feser, 2011). However, he was also stubborn and had a controlling way about him that in many instances compromised the company (Feser, 2011). An excellent example is his vendetta against trade unions. Fester (2011), reflects that as early as history allows, successful ventures in politics, religion and business boil down to the brains behind the scene; the leader of the venture. The personal characteristics (mindset), strategies, strengths and weaknesses of a CEO determine the success or demise of the organization (Schermerhon, 2011). Apple Inc. is not an exception to the rule. Through examining its past leadership, I can establish a trend in CEO characteristics influencing the running of the organization. Finally, with the help of this analysis, I postulate on the possible leadership Apple Inc. should utilize in the future. While most leaders rely on a universal set of principles such as trustworthiness, c harisma, creativity and endurance, different environments influence the way these leaders will apply these principles (Griffin, 2010). Establishing the fundamental principles of any organization is crucial because it helps to define the role of the leader (Schermerhon, 2011). With every new invention, Apple Inc. seeks out new marketing slogans (Feser, 2011). However, one can summarize that Apple Inc. cherishes innovation thereby creativity is the main principle that defines their market strategies (Fesser, 2011). Nonetheless, while businesses thrive or fall in view of these principles, there are legal and ethical issues to consider (Schlegelmilch, 1998). Apple Inc., in the recent past, has faced a couple of these issues and their ramifications can be pinned on the leadership the CEO provided. Griffin (2010), describes the late Steve Jobs as an inspiring visionary whom at the same time was an insufferable egotist. Griffin (2010), further asserts that the success of Steve Jobs stems f rom his contradictory and often complex personality. When Steve Jobs took over in 1996, he came with an agenda. Steve Jobs preferred â€Å"old weapons†; therefore, he cut down on new projects and focused on marketing and rejuvenating the company’s image (Griffin, 2010). The strategies he employed to rejuvenate the company such as high-end disruptions require that an individual is courageous and witty (Schlegelmilch, 1998). An example is the iPod which Griffin notes â€Å"hijacked the music industry† (Feser, 2011). Zeal, charisma and an animated personality helped Jobs reclaim Apple Inc.’s lost glory and raise it to a proclaimed multinational (Feser, 2011). Feser (2011) also holds that Steve Jobs created value for shareholder, consumers and the society. What Feser (2011) forgot to mention is that employees are also shareholders. Therefore, in my view, Jobs’ success reflects on one stakeholder’s satisfaction; the customer. In examining other p arties such as employees and the wider society discrepancies emerge. Schlegelmilch (1998) reflects that a most common trait for persons considered exemplary business leaders is strong personal ethics. There is a clear link between personal ethics and community ethics (Feser, 2011). A person with strong personal ethics is likely to influence persons around them to uphold the same especially if that person holds a position of leadership (Griffin, 2010). Schlegelmilch (1