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Aristotle On Human Happiness

Introduction

The issue of human happiness has always bred controversy and a myriad of

condescending views among scholars. In an attempt to address this, Aristotle developed the

theory of Nicomachean Ethics that draws a clear definition of human happiness. As much as

most people perceive pleasure, honor and wealth as the primary sources of human happiness,

Aristotle proposes that human happiness is an act that conforms to the virtues and the imminent

desire to achieve complete virtues. This essay analyses Aristotle’s proposition on human

happiness as expressed in his theory of Nicomachean ethics.

Aristotle addressed the issue of human happiness through the theory of Nicomachean

Ethics. The primary purpose of this theory is to address the ultimate purpose of human existence

(Kraut). He proposes that most people seek pleasure, good reputation and wealth as the major

purpose of existence. However, he argues that as much as they may have some value, they can

not suffice to be termed as the chief good to serve as the main purpose for human existence.

Aristotle claims that for an act to qualify to be the ultimate purpose of human existence, it must

be self-sufficient and final (Sachs). In the theory of Nicomachean Ethics, it is stated as “that

which is always desirable in itself and never for the sake of something else” (Kraut). In addition

to self-sufficiency and finality, the act must be attainable by man. This leads to his conclusion

that happiness is the ultimate end that meets all these conditions. Thus, happiness is the ultimate

goal of human existence. This can be seen in the way people have an insatiable desire for

pleasure, money and honor because they believe these goods will eventually bring them
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happiness. It is apparent that these goods are the means towards achieving happiness but

happiness is an end in itself.

Aristotle's perception of human happiness differs from other people’s views to a great

extent. Most perceive happiness to be a subjective state of mind such as the happiness derived

when one is having fun with friends. However, this is in great contrast with the proposal by

Aristotle. He claims that human happiness is the final goal that encompasses the totality of a

person's life. According to Aristotle's definition of human happiness, the main “function of man

to live a certain kind of life” (Shields). The implication of this activity is a rational principle. He

further proposes that this activity must be performed in a noble way. This leads to his definition

of human happiness as the activity of the soul with respect to certain virtues. Aristotle's theory

also implies that the pursuit of human happiness is the exercise of a certain set of virtues. Virtues

are perceived to be the possession of a good moral character. Thus, having good moral character

is the most important factor in the endeavor to achieve human happiness. Aristotle also proposes

that human happiness can be achieved by being virtuous. Therefore, anyone who is in pursuit of

human happiness must act in accordance with virtue as well as strive to possess all the virtues. In

the theory of Nicomachean Ethics, he states that “He is happy who lives in accordance with

complete virtue” (Nickel).

Conclusion

Aristotle addresses the issue of human happiness by emphasizing the practice of virtues

through his theory of Nicomachean Ethics. He differs from the view of other people by claiming

that happiness is the ultimate goal of human existence rather than material things such as honor,
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wealth and pleasure. This implies that one must involve in virtuous activities and strive to attain

full virtues in order to fulfill the need for human happiness. Thus, human happiness is a lifelong

activity and finality in itself as opposed to the short term pleasures.

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Works Cited

Kraut, Richard. "Aristotle's Ethics." The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (2018).

<https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/sum2018/entries/aristotle-ethics/>.

Nickel, James. "Human Rights." The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (2019).

<https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/sum2019/entries/rights-human/>.

Sachs, Joe. Aristotle: Ethics. n.d. <https://www.iep.utm.edu/aris-eth/>.

Shields, Christopher. "Aristotle." The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (2016): Edward N.

Zalta. <https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2016/entries/aristotle/>.