David Mudd
Theology
Homer is without virtue. He is ignorant to a fault and what little reasoning he does do is riddled with non-sequitors. As if his logic is not bad enough, he seldom employs it for anything but to help justify his beliefs and actions are proper. His ‘life map’ leaves much to be desired. He is nearly incapable of realizing anything that goes against his core beliefs. Instead of attempting to accurately adjust his map he avoids speculation entirely, perhaps for an understandable if not a good reason. Homer’s map is so false that to properly adjust even a small portion would require tremendous effort and thus cause tremendous pain. While this is no excuse for one to use to justify ones ignorance, Homer’s belief is that life should be lived however is easiest to be seemingly fulfilled. This view does not leave room for Homer to experience hardships. Due to this instant gratification mindset it can be concluded that Homer does not have and probably never will achieve happiness in the view of Aristotle. This is easiest to see when looking at Homer’s gluttony. Homer loves food too much. There is nothing wrong with having a love for food, but in Homers case there is no limit to the amount he consumes. He puts food above other, more important aspects of his life, mainly his health, which has repeatedly suffered due to his eating habit. In addition to loving food, Homer is a profuse drinker and has the unrealistic belief that work should be avoided. He is also an avid liar when it seems that he will not achieve what he wants.
Despite Homer’s inability to lead a virtuous life, there is one way in which he is admirable. Homer has a great love for life. Indeed, he frequently acts in ways that often seem embarrassing. His live for the moment attitude, while it completely goes against the happiness Aristotle meant, has a certain admirable quality. Homer wants to get the most out of all aspects of his life, and he doesn’t try to hide what he wants. He is overly blunt and honest when it comes to what his desires are. Homer’s love of life is his one truly admirable trait.