What is Happiness?

Paper Summary:

The paper examines "Nicomachean Ethics", a collection of Aristotle's essays that focus on discovering, through reason, what happiness is. The paper discusses Aristotle's conclusion that happiness is a total good and only the exercise of moral and intellectual virtue will lead to this good life. The paper explains how Aristotle aligns this intellectual virtue with the seductions of real life.

From the Paper:

"Aristotle begins by looking at every being, and noting that each has its proper function according to its nature. The proper function for a human being, the ultimate rational animal, is to reason and act in accord with reason. This is the core of Aristotle's doctrine: the exercise of moral and intellectual virtue will lead to the good life. True happiness lies in the virtue of contemplation. This is the most fitting and proper function for a human being, the highest virtue. "Happiness, therefore, must be some form of contemplation...those to whom contemplation more fully belongs are more truly happy." (Nicomachean Ethics, Book Eight)"

Sample of Sources Used:

• Ackrill J. L. 2001. Essays on Plato and Aristotle, Oxford University Press, USA
• Adler, Mortimer J. (1978). Aristotle for Everybody. New York: Macmillan
• Barnes J. 1995. The Cambridge Companion to Aristotle, Cambridge University Press
• Loux, Michael J. 1991. Primary Ousia: An Essay on Aristotle's Metaphysics Ζ and Η. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University
• Veatch, Henry B. (1974). Aristotle: A Contemporary Appreciation. Bloomington: Indiana U. Press. For the general reader

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