Aristotle and Natural Law | Jurisprudence

[@herbiewalkermusic]

Really really well explained. Thank you.

[@thelawacademy1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@khuraimali7373]

very well taught, thank you for making this

[@davewarwicker2512]

Why say "Telos", when "End goal" is easier? It sends my brain into the subroutine of swapping the words, when I could be concentrating?

[@mohammedmamdouh5981]

I got this answer from ChatGPT. Using the term *telos* instead of "end goal" can have specific reasons, though its usage might indeed cause a momentary mental pause for some. ### 1. **Philosophical Precision** *Telos* originates from ancient Greek philosophy, particularly Aristotle, where it denotes the ultimate purpose or aim of a thing. Philosophers or academics might prefer it to signal not just an endpoint but a deeper, intrinsic purpose embedded in a system or being. For example, saying "telos" in discussions of ethics or biology invokes rich philosophical connotations that "end goal" might not fully capture. --- ### 2. **Contextual Relevance** In certain fields like philosophy, theology, or specific academic disciplines, *telos* has a specialized meaning that "end goal" might oversimplify. For example, in Aristotelian thought, a knife's *telos* is to cut, and a human's *telos* might be flourishing (*eudaimonia*). These usages carry layers of historical and conceptual significance. --- ### 3. **Technical or Intellectual Tone** Using terms like *telos* can serve to elevate the tone of discourse, signaling familiarity with specific intellectual traditions. In academic or literary settings, this might enhance credibility or foster alignment with an audience well-versed in such traditions. --- ### 4. **Linguistic Efficiency in Context** While *telos* might initially require a mental substitution for some, it can actually streamline communication among those familiar with the term. It's a single, precise word that encapsulates complex philosophical or theoretical ideas that would take more words to express fully in plain English. --- That said, if clarity and accessibility are priorities, plain English like "end goal" often serves better. The choice depends on the audience and the need for precision or resonance within a given context. If it helps, think of encountering *telos* as a chance to momentarily delve into its richer implications before simplifying back to "end goal."