How does the good life relate to homosexuality?
One way to look at this is through the work of Plato and Aristotle. Plato argued that the good life involved living a life of reason and moderation, avoiding excess in all things. For him, it was a matter of balance between the body and the soul, of finding harmony between different parts of one's being. This could be achieved through education and cultivating virtues such as courage, temperance, justice, and wisdom.
Plato did not discuss LGBT realities explicitly, but his ideas may still have relevance for them.
Finding balance and moderation in one's sexual desires and pursuing them within ethical limits could help create a better overall life.
Aristotle also advocated for moderation, but he emphasized self-fulfillment and flourishing rather than moderation alone. He believed that human beings had an innate potential that needed to be developed and expressed in order to lead a truly good life. He defined the best life as the "life according to virtue," where virtuous activity leads to happiness. In addition, Aristotle focused on the individual and their role in society, arguing that humans need to participate actively in social relations and contribute positively to their communities. This can apply to LGBT people who seek to live authentically and meaningfully in the world while also respecting others.
But there are some other philosophers with more controversial views on the topic. Nietzsche famously criticized Christianity's focus on chastity and asceticism, seeing them as hindrances to the full expression of one's will and power. He believed in a 'will to power', which involved embracing one's desires without shame or guilt. For him, homosexuality was just another expression of this will to power. But he also warned against excesses like addiction or violence, so even though his view is extreme it has some parallels with Plato's notion of balance.
Socrates, however, held very conservative views on sex and relationships, considering homosexuality unnatural and immoral. He argued that heterosexual marriage was the ideal way to achieve true intimacy and procreation. But these arguments have been contested by many scholars, especially feminist ones who point out that women were often excluded from Socratic dialogues and that his views on gender roles may be outdated and harmful.
While different philosophical traditions offer various perspectives on how to live a good life, they all emphasize some form of self-development, ethical living, and positive contribution to society. It is up to individuals to find what works best for them, whether through moderation, self-expression, or community involvement. LGBT people can use these ideas to explore their own paths to happiness and fulfillment, balancing their sexuality with other aspects of their lives and finding ways to connect meaningfully with others.
How do philosophical notions of the “good life†include or exclude LGBT realities?
The notion of "the good life" has been debated by philosophers for centuries. While there are many different interpretations of what constitutes a good life, it is generally understood to be one that includes positive emotions, fulfillment, happiness, meaning, and purpose. For some people, this may involve living a life that aligns with their gender identity and sexual orientation.