In Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, there is a wide discussion on what can be defined as human happiness. In book I, he points out that the highest of happiness has to be something that is desired for itself and not for the sake of anything else and is something that satisfies all desires with no evil (Aristotle, 10). When taking into account this view on happiness it is clear why Aristotle believes that pleasure is not the highest form of happiness, seeing that we choose it on account of itself,
Nicomachean Ethics, by Aristotle, is based on the Socratic question of how men should best live. In these excerpts, Aristotle describes a close linkage between virtue and happiness. In Chapter 1 Aristotle discuss that every action and every pursuit is aimed at some sort of good. Also, most aims are intermediate in that societies’ aims are made so that higher aims seem conceivable. In Book 1 Chapter 2 he states, “Since happiness is an activity of soul in accordance with perfect virtue…” In this quote
In The Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, section VII, Aristotle argues that happiness is a final good that is self-sufficient. In order to achieve happiness, one must act in accordance to virtue. Aristotle questions what the final good of an action is. In order to answer the question, he provides a definition of a final good. Aristotle claims that the final good is that which is pursued for the sake of itself and nothing else (1097a 36). When debating what the good is for honour, pleasure, wealth, and
2014 Virtue Ethics: How Stockdale was Happy Prisoner of war, James Stockdale, has spent being in solitary confinement and leg irons, being starved, beaten, and tortured multiple times. Through all those times it seemed to be horrendous to him, he never seemed to let that bother him stating that he is right where he wants to be, which concludes that he was happy. Happiness in this case isn’t something that is joyful, but rather having a good character. In terms of the ancient ethics, 3 philosophers
life and happiness, as their theories are essentially philosophies for identifying with an individual’s own morality – in which ‘true happiness’ arises from. Through thorough analysis of extracts from ‘Ethical Virtue: Aristotle, extract from Nicomachean Ethics’, ‘The Stoics Reader – Selected Writings and Testimonia’, and ‘Epicurus, ‘Letter to Menoeceus’ and ‘Leading Doctrines’’, this essay aims to argue that although Laërtius, Aristotle, and Epicurus have different philosophies, they all strive towards
In Book VIII of the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle draws attention to the value of friendship, asserting its importance for to living a happy life “For no one would choose to live without friends” (NE 8.1.1155a3-4). However, what is it about friendship that makes it considered a necessity for living a happy life? Is it really necessary and can one live without it? This essay will examine the necessity and importance that Aristotle has placed on friendship, what its purpose serves for why it’s considered
The True Meaning of Happiness Aristotle tries to answer the famous question of all times. What is the meaning of life? In Nicomachean Ethics Book 1, Aristotle tries to explain his views of human life and the meaning of it. He states that every human's purpose is to gain "Eudimonia" (happiness) , but his definition of happiness is different from what many people's definitions. Aristotle believes happiness is reasoning well, or acting according to virtue. This definition of happiness also incorporates
“Presumably, however, to say that happiness is the chief good seems a platitude, and a clearer account of what it is is still desired.” (Pojman) This quote is from Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, he is at this trying to find the definition of happiness and what it means to be happy. He starts by suggesting that to find the definition of happiness we must first find the function of man. By this he is urging the reader to consider the thought of “the good and the ‘well’ is thought to reside in the
Whether people believe in materialism or idealism, or some other philosophy, they probably will agree that happiness is the ultimate goal of life, and also, happiness may be the ultimate driving power of life. The great ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle study this as well, he once said: “Eudemonia is an activity of soul in accordance with perfect virtue”. There are two main points in his idea, first in the “activity of soul”, second is the “perfect virtue”, and one person must have these two at
In Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle proposes an ethical virtue theory in which he makes his own account of happiness and the good life. He examines in depth how a human being ought to act in a society and what are the imperatives of a choiceworthy life. This work has majorly contributed in the field of Moral Philosophy; hence it is indubitably worth being studied. The purpose of this paper will be firstly to explain Aristotle’s argument, which led him to the following conclusion “the human function