Aristotle and Happiness

Paper Summary:

The paper seeks to demonstrate that Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics is a treatise on the relationship between human happiness and human nature. To show this, the writer first explains how Aristotle connects human nature to his function argument and what either of those has to do with happiness. Then the writer analyzes the place of virtue in Aristotle's happiness, a place that draws heavily on the role of virtue in human nature. Finally, the writer discuss how happiness can be joined to a life of study under this Aristotelian perspective.

From the Paper:

"According to Aristotle in Nicomachean Ethics, the realization of human happiness is intimately tied up with Aristotle's own conception of the extent of human nature. In the book, Aristotle makes a relatively sophisticated argument that examines the nature of human nature in terms of function and the goal of human existence. From this, Aristotle is able to analyze the role that virtues play in achieving happiness and the significance of a life of study and contemplation. In short, I intend to demonstrate that Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics is a treatise on the relationship between human happiness and human nature. To show this, I will first explain how Aristotle connects human nature to his function argument--and what either of those have to do with happiness."

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