Finnis's Seven Basic Human Goods
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John Finnis, a philosopher in the natural law tradition, proposed a list of Seven Basic Human Goods, which serve as foundational principles for his ethical and moral philosophy:
Life: Life is the fundamental good of self-preservation, including the physical and mental well-being of an individual. It involves the drive to maintain one's health, avoid pain, and procreate. In a postscript, Finnis added the institution of marriage (between a man and a woman) to this category, emphasising its role in the transmission of life and societal stability.
Knowledge: Knowledge is a valuable pursuit in itself. It represents the human desire to seek understanding, wisdom, and awareness. It highlights the importance of being well-informed rather than ignorant, acknowledging the inherent worth of education and the quest for truth.
Play: Play encompasses recreational activities and enjoyment for their intrinsic value. It involves engaging in activities solely for the pleasure and fun they bring, without any ulterior motive. Play is vital for relaxation, stress relief, and maintaining a balanced life.
Aesthetic experience: Aesthetic experience is the appreciation of beauty in both art and nature. It acknowledges the human capacity to find joy, inspiration, and emotional fulfilment in the sensory and artistic aspects of the world, reflecting our innate attraction to the beautiful.
Sociability (friendship): Sociability, or friendship, is a multifaceted good. At its minimum, it represents the promotion of peace and harmony among people. In its strongest form, it signifies deep and meaningful friendships where individuals act in the interests of their friends or for the sake of friendship itself, emphasising the importance of social bonds and mutual support.
Practical reasonableness: Practical reasonableness is the ability to use one's intelligence and rationality to solve problems, make ethical decisions about how to live, and shape one's character. It involves the application of reason and moral judgment to navigate life's challenges and complexities.
Religion: Religion, as understood here, transcends conventional religious practices. It refers to our concern for an order of things that goes beyond individual interests and material concerns. This may involve a search for a deeper meaning, a connection to the transcendent, or a sense of purpose beyond the worldly realm, which can vary widely among individuals and belief systems.
These Seven Basic Human Goods provide a philosophical framework for understanding human well-being and ethical decision-making, emphasising the intrinsic value of various aspects of human life and experience.
Life: Life is the fundamental good of self-preservation, including the physical and mental well-being of an individual. It involves the drive to maintain one's health, avoid pain, and procreate. In a postscript, Finnis added the institution of marriage (between a man and a woman) to this category, emphasising its role in the transmission of life and societal stability.
Knowledge: Knowledge is a valuable pursuit in itself. It represents the human desire to seek understanding, wisdom, and awareness. It highlights the importance of being well-informed rather than ignorant, acknowledging the inherent worth of education and the quest for truth.
Play: Play encompasses recreational activities and enjoyment for their intrinsic value. It involves engaging in activities solely for the pleasure and fun they bring, without any ulterior motive. Play is vital for relaxation, stress relief, and maintaining a balanced life.
Aesthetic experience: Aesthetic experience is the appreciation of beauty in both art and nature. It acknowledges the human capacity to find joy, inspiration, and emotional fulfilment in the sensory and artistic aspects of the world, reflecting our innate attraction to the beautiful.
Sociability (friendship): Sociability, or friendship, is a multifaceted good. At its minimum, it represents the promotion of peace and harmony among people. In its strongest form, it signifies deep and meaningful friendships where individuals act in the interests of their friends or for the sake of friendship itself, emphasising the importance of social bonds and mutual support.
Practical reasonableness: Practical reasonableness is the ability to use one's intelligence and rationality to solve problems, make ethical decisions about how to live, and shape one's character. It involves the application of reason and moral judgment to navigate life's challenges and complexities.
Religion: Religion, as understood here, transcends conventional religious practices. It refers to our concern for an order of things that goes beyond individual interests and material concerns. This may involve a search for a deeper meaning, a connection to the transcendent, or a sense of purpose beyond the worldly realm, which can vary widely among individuals and belief systems.
These Seven Basic Human Goods provide a philosophical framework for understanding human well-being and ethical decision-making, emphasising the intrinsic value of various aspects of human life and experience.
