Aristotle Research Paper

Humans have a purpose unique that is different from any other form of life. Aristotle states that this purpose is essential in being human and to achieve what is considered by the philosopher to be the absolute good, happiness. In Book 1 of Nichomachean Ethics Aristotle introduces us to these concepts along with what happiness is and how to truly achieve it. I agree with the majority of these claims, and can see them in day to day life, but I do not think that Aristotle’s rendition of happiness is complete and does contains flaws.

Aristotle looks at what comes of actions to determine the magnitude of good. He comes to the conclusion that the only end to actions is happiness, and when we pursue happiness we do not look for what
First he looks at functionality. A human’s body has many functions, an eye has to see, a hand has to feel, therefore the human itself must have a function. He then identifies what makes humans unique, since we must have something in our lives that makes it worthwhile in a different way from other forms of life. For example, if a plant lives it achieves its function, and if a pig gets to roll around in mud and eat it is happy, so we must look at what differentiates humans, which is reason. This reason has two parts; one is to obey reason, and the other is to have reason itself. In addition to reason, life has two part, capacity and activity. Humans must have the a function of activity, and the ultimate function is to have this activity of the soul be in accord with reason. In addition to reason one must also have activity of the soul in accord with virtues, and these virtues must be complete and ever present. In order to obtain happiness, or Eudaimonia, we must exhibit this reason in accord with virtues excellently. In the eyes of Aristotle this is the only way to achieve true happiness. He elaborates saying that not everyone can achieve Eudaimonia, and that happiness that is not Eudaimonia is not actually