On Friday, we discussed several topics, one of which was about Hitler. We went back and forth about whether or not Hitler was virtuous and happy. I believe Hitler was not virtuous because as Aristotle teaches, virtue is a mean between the two vices of two much and two little. Hitler had a vision and was following it, but I don't believe that that is enough to be considered happiness, and thus not enough to be virtuous.
Hitler met a lot of resistance, especially as Germany started invading other lands. The second World War broke out in part because of Hitler's expansion, and the "cleansing" he did, which we know as the Holocaust, helped to rally his opposition. Not only did Hitler find resistance outside, however, but he found it within his own walls: his government, troops, and people. Not everyone was okay with what he was doing but were simply "following orders" or felt what was happening was too far along to stop. Following what you believe to be your Telos and suddenly finding out everyone is trying to knock you down and stop your dream is more than enough to cause a lot of stress. near the end of his days, even MLK was growing weary of the movement and the toll it was taking on his health and motivation.
I do not believe Hitler was correct, but I do believe he wasn't virtuous because I feel he did too much with his vision and actions (a vice), and was not truly happy because pursuing that dream wasn't what made him happy and he never fully reached his goal.
You pose a good argument Robert, about why Hitler might not have been happy for pursuing his dream of "cleansing". But I think Hitler was happy with what he was doing or else he wouldn't have continued it. I believe he felt it was his "ergon" to be rid of the jewish, gypsies, homosexuals, and those who opposed him. He definitely did not understand the meaning of "too much" or "too little" because he killed so many people. So yes, he is not virtuous because he couldn't find the mean between extreme and deficiency. But I do believe he was happy with what he was doing or else he wouldn't have done what he did or make a whole nation believe that what he was doing was correct.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Taylor and how she said he felt ergon. I think he was virtuous because I do think he was truly happy and content with what he was doing (although it is extremely sick and twisted.) To do such dramatic and severe things and continue to do so I do think this is what gave him "fulfillment" and what he truly sought out for in his life.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both Taylor and Kylie, I believe Hitler was happy with what he had done. His tactics and eadership are still studied in the military because he was such a good leader. He was not virtuous, but who knows if he felt "fulfilled" he killed himself? He might have, but probably not because he did not kill all the Jews.
ReplyDelete