Positive psychology, a trendy topic according to various books (Lemos, 2018), represents one of the most intriguing and encouraging intellectual developments of the last two decades (Saint - Andre, 2021). It focuses on projecting positivity in life with the aim of significantly influencing development and growth in all aspects of the human experience through the recognition of values and life force (Arias, n.d.). However, these books in no way replace the valuable assistance provided by clinical psychologists in their consultations (Lemos, 2018). While positive psychology has found a place on the shelves, the truth is that the idea on which it is based is quite old-fashioned (Lemos, 2018). This is because, according to Crego (2018), some of the ideas of positive psychology have their roots in the philosophy of Aristotle.
Nicomachean Ethics
The Nicomachean Ethics, written by Aristotle in the 4th century BC, shows traces of what is now known as positive psychology (Lemos, 2018). According to this theory, achieving a fulfilled life involves developing virtues, that is, good habits, and cultivating certain strengths. For Aristotle, these strengths are innate traits that enable well-being and happiness. However, not everyone is born with these fundamental strengths necessary for achieving a fulfilled life. For instance, a person who is insecure faces greater challenges than someone naturally inclined to take risks and step out of their comfort zone. Nevertheless, in line with Lemos (2018), Aristotelian theory suggests that through self - control and self-regulation, these strengths can be acquired, albeit requiring an exercise of willpower.
Practical Wisdom
The Aristotelian concept of practical wisdom, also known as phronesis, is linked to positive psychology (Lemos, 2018). The word phronesis has a complicated and cumbersome etymology (Arias, n.d.). Although commonly associated with prudence, it is more related to discernment for achieving greater personal growth and avoiding behaviors that may hinder one's own happiness and that of others (Crego, 2018). In this context, phronesis is not simply a virtue among others; it plays a fundamental role in orchestrating other virtues to determine the best course of action in a situation and establish principles for behavior. It is, so to speak, the master virtue, essential for other virtues to be effective and to follow a path to happiness without deviations (Crego, 2018). In short, according to Lemos (2018), phronesis is the primary human virtue, enabling individuals to make wiser decisions.
Practical wisdom does not emerge instantly; it requires time for reflection and learning about the particular circumstances of a person's life (Crego, 2018). It involves analytical skills, taking pauses to listen, learn, and thoroughly understand situations from a flexible and open perspective. Lastly, in accordance with Crego (2018), practical wisdom drives a strong motivation to do what is right in every situation.
The Active Exercise of Happiness
Aristotle dedicated time to reflect on the meaning of happiness and how to attain it (Parrish, 2015). Therefore, an idea emerges present in both positive psychology and Aristotle's teachings: achieving a fulfilled life is only possible by adopting new habits and changing attitudes (Lemos, 2018). Moreover, true victory lies in constant practice and perseverance, being the key to attaining the desired well-being (Lemos, 2018). For the philosopher, joy represents the meaning of existence (Arias, n.d.), becoming the guiding principle of moral conduct, i.e., the supreme good that everyone seeks and that subordinates other goods (Gustems & Sánchez, 2015). For Aristotle, happiness is not understood as a psychological state of pleasure but as an activity, the practice of living well. Thus, according to Gustems & Sánchez (2015), happiness is not something that simply happens or is a result of chance; it is something that people must pursue, carry out, and cultivate.
The result of this is that well-being cannot exist solely in the mind of each individual: it is a combination of feeling good, finding meaning, having strong relationships, and achieving goals (Saint-Andre, 2021). Therefore, in line with Arias (n.d.), Aristotle made it clear that the degree of satisfaction and joy impacts other aspects of life; that is, happiness contributes to people's well-being and affects health, work, relationships, finances, and other areas of life.
References
Arias, M. Aportaciones de Aristóteles a la Psicología Positiva. Más Allá de la Tierra. Recuperado 25 June 2021, a partir de https://masalladelatierra.com/aportes-cientificos/aportaciones-de-aristoteles-a-la-psicologia/
Crego, A. (2018). Aristóteles y la Psicología Positiva. Investigación y Ciencia. Recuperado 25 June 2021, a partir de https://www.investigacionyciencia.es/blogs/psicologia-y-neurociencia/52/posts/aristteles-y-la-psicologa-positiva-16192
Gustems, J., & Sánchez, L. (2015). Aportaciones de la Psicología Positiva aplicadas a la formación del profesorado. Recuperado 25 June 2021, a partir de https://dadun.unav.edu/bitstream/10171/39798/1/art1.pdf.
Lemos, R. (2018). Aristóteles y su influencia en la psicología positiva. La Mente es Maravillosa. Recuperado 7 April 2021, a partir de https://lamenteesmaravillosa.com/aristoteles-y-su-influencia-en-la-psicologia-positiva/
Parrish, E. (2015). Positive Psychology and Aristotle. Bear Market. Recuperado 25 June 2021, a partir de https://bearmarketreview.wordpress.com/2015/05/05/positive-psychology-and-aristotle/
Saint-Andre, P. (2021). Positive Psychology: An Aristotelian Analysis. Stpeter.im. Recuperado 25 June 2021, a partir de https://stpeter.im/writings/aristotle/positive-psychology.html
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