Essay on Happiness in Aristotle’s work The Nicomachean...

Aristotle’s work, The Nicomachean Ethics, consists of numerous books pertaining to Aristotle’s Ethics—the ethics of the good life. The first book discloses Aristotle’s belief on moral philosophy and the correlation between virtue and happiness. The definition of happiness has long been disputed. According to Aristotle, happiness is the highest good and the ultimate end goal—for it is self-reliant. This idea contradicted other common beliefs and philosophical theories. Aristotle opens his work by describing the various theories, neutrally examines each idea, and discloses how he thinks the theory is wrong and why his idea of happiness is more accurate. The most accepted theory until Aristotle was that of Plato—that good was a universal†¦show more content†¦Since man is the only creature to have free will and a conscience, these must be central to a good life for a human. The definition of happiness has long been disputed, and in order to establish a general definition one must discover mankind’s function (1095a.20). The distinct function of human beings will differentiate man from all other beings, thus it cannot be related to the characteristics of animals or plants. Aristotle explains that all living beings grow, and that man and animals share instinct. Through elimination, Aristotle establishes the distinct function of man as logic. Only human beings contain three souls and have the ability to use reason. Aristotle states, â€Å"the function of man then is activity of soul [thinking well and doing well] in accordance with reason† (). Ultimately, logic allows human beings to use reason in decision-m aking and to be virtuous. Aristotle explains what a competent judge of ethics is. â€Å"Each man judges correctly those matters with which he is acquainted; it is of these that he is a competent critic† (1094b.20). Ultimately, he believes that younger people lack the experience needed to use their reason. Instead, younger people will follow their instinct and feelings. According to this believe, Aristotle is showing that true happiness (achieved through virtues) is a lifetime effort. According to Aristotle, every action performed is done to attain an end goal (or good). The goals for eachShow MoreRelatedEssay on How Do Virtue and Chance Contribute to Happiness?1283 Words   |  6 Pagescontribute to happiness? Happiness has been subject to debate for centuries. What is happiness? What does happiness consist of? What contributes to happiness? Among many others, Aristotle, Epicurus, and the school of Cyrenaics, prominent ancient Greek philosophers, have greatly contributed that virtue, which is excellence of a certain part, and chance, which consists of any event outside of human control and prediction, may play a role in happiness. 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