ABSTRACT
It may be thought that it is somewhat anachronistic to use the expression ‘Quality of Life’ in connection with ancient Greek philosophical theories. The modern concept of ‘Quality of Life’, in its political and medical application, seems to be associated with a certain demanding attitude, in German ‘Anspruchshaltung’. Plato shows a severity when discussing a question which is, quite comparable to modern discussion concerning quality of life: the problem is whether extension of life by medical measures is desirable in cases of marked reduction of capabilities. Quality of Life is something which can be assessed objectively, and is so assessed by others. Coming from Plato to Aristotle, Aristotle’s views about what might be called ‘Quality of Life’ are more realistic. Aristotle’s model of moral development presumes that we are able, partly by education, partly by our own exertions, to get used to actions such as practical reason would recommend.
