Nicomachean Ethics Aristotle

Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics is an examination of a morality based on happiness. In his book Aristotle describes two types of the best life, each based on different types of reason. However there are inconsistencies between the two types of best life, which to be resolved require a look at, and the possible inconsistencies within, human nature. Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics is shown to be a perspective of morality requiring a critical examination, but which nonetheless reflects an important moral perspective.e
In the Nicomachean Ethics Aristotle explains how to be the best human being. In books I-IX Aristotle makes an argument for a morality based on happiness. In essence Aristotle argues that the good is happiness, and that supreme happiness
The person who excels at being virtuous through practical reason is active in many fields of their life, they are committed to generosity and good deeds as well as taking an interest in politics. They would also surround themselves with friends who are just as virtuous as they are in order to see themselves reflected in their friends, and would thus love their friends in the same way they would love themselves. They would avoid extremes, and always choose a middle path. In contrast the life of theoretical reason is one that requires no activity other than thought, and does not require friendship. A life of this sort is characterized by leisure, self-sufficiency, and “whatever else falls to the lot of a supremely happy man.” The person who dedicates their life in the pursuit of a life shaped by theoretical reason does not thing on subjects ordinarily considered ‘useful’. That is to say, subjects whose purpose is to benefit society hold no special interest for these people. Contemplation is done for the sake of contemplation alone. This is directly contrary to a life of practical reason as a life devoted to contemplation alone is one of extreme. But what is so special about theoretical reason anyway that makes it the best life, and not practical
In Book X Aristotle lays out his view of a life devoted to contemplation and theoretical reason, seemingly refuting his previous nine books. Harald Thorsrud solves this inconsistency by ascribing a dichotomous view of human nature to humanity, and showing that there is no one best life for humanity. It is further possible that, according to Aristotle’s rule of the mean, a truly best life would be a life that holds practical and theoretical reason in balance. By examining Kant’s philosophy and Aristotle’s own statements it is clear that although the Nicomachean Ethics holds some truths, it is also a debatable perspective of morality. The Nicomachean Ethics is complex view of morality based on happiness that analyses what the best life could be while simultaneously grappling with the inconsistencies inherent in