Last end - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Last end, a phrase that conjures images of finality and cessation, designates the ultimate aim or purpose towards which all actions and endeavors strive. It's not merely the terminal point in a temporal sequence but rather an apex of intention, the culmination of a journey mapped by choice and circumstance; yet is it merely the cessation of existence? Is there an end after "the" end?
References to the concept of Last end, though perhaps not explicitly termed as such, can be traced back to the foundational texts of moral philosophy. Aristotle, in his Nicomachean Ethics (c. 350 B.C.E.), posits "eudaimonia," often translated as flourishing or living well, as the highest good, the telos (end) of human life. The idea resonates through subsequent philosophical dialogues, echoed in Cicero's writings on moral duties and Seneca's contemplations on the summum bonum. Icons of history such as Augustine grapple with the concept within the context of divine purpose, while the great political philosophers of the Renaissance, such as Machiavelli, offer a starkly different vision, with a great ruler as the "end" of society. These early philosophical explorations reveal a timeless human fascination with ultimate purpose, setting the stage for enduring debates about what truly constitutes a fulfilling and meaningful existence. How do Aristotle's, Machiavelli's and Augustine's "Last End" coexist and conflict, and what can these conflicts tell us about our society?
Over centuries, the interpretation of Last end has evolved and diversified, propelled by seminal works such as Kant's Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, (1785) which introduced the concept of the categorical imperative, presenting a stark contrast to consequentialist views. More recently, John Stuart Mill, in his essay Utilitarianism, places the greatest good for the greatest number above all else. In this context, the shift from virtue ethics to utilitarianism, and the later revival of virtue ethics, highlights the ongoing tension between duty-based and consequence-based ethics. This tension invites fascinating questions about the nature of moral obligation and the extent to which outcomes justify actions. Indeed, the paradox of hedonism, wherein the pursuit of simple pleasure defeats its very purpose, demonstrates what kind of challenge the idea of Last end can embody.
The Last end remains a potent symbol, influencing discussions on topics ranging from personal fulfillment to social justice. Modern reinterpretations often frame it in terms of individual autonomy, emphasizing the freedom to define one's own purpose and values. However, as seen through the lens of existentialism, the burden of this freedom can lead to an existential crisis, a questioning of meaning in an apparently absurd world. As we grapple with complex ethical dilemmas in fields like artificial intelligence and biotechnology, the notion of Last end provides a framework for evaluating the long-term consequences of our choices. The very idea of "Last end" begs one to ask: in a world of accelerating technological advancement, what are we ultimately striving towards, and what responsibilities do we bear in shaping that destiny?