Aristotle's Arguments On The Nature Of Happiness

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Aristotle’s argument that it is the nature of the universe to be composed of virtuous elements, can be supported by his realist viewpoints. For example, Aristotle contributes the source of justice to be of geometry, which is a mathematical ruled governed by the order of the universe. Thus, the virtues that Aristotle chooses to highlight in the text can be related to matter. However, because of Socrates realist thought he relates the virtues that the universe encompasses to spirit as well. For example, Socrates states that it is the nature of the universe to encompass goodness. This concept of goodness is one that is produced by the universe but individually dictated by the spirit of beings. Furthermore, Aristotle argues that is the nature of the universe to produce voluntary and involuntary forces. I feel that this portion of Aristotle’s argument is his strongest point towards realism. Socrates does not specify which of the voluntary and involuntary forces can be attributed to matter or spirit. However, for voluntary and involuntary forces to exist one can infer that they must be …show more content…

Furthermore, Aristotle argues that the possession of this particular good is the primary goal of human beings. Because of his discussion of multiple virtues, one can assume that Aristotle’s argument is that happiness is achieved by possessing the positive aspects of the virtues that he highlights. Furthermore, men in the possession of such virtues are able to increase and maintain their happiness through friendship. For example, Aristotle argues that happiness can be heightened through having numerous friends. Socrates supports his argument of the correlation between goodness and happiness by arguing that happiness is achieved through friendship, specifically friendships that consist of good men. Socrates stresses the importance of friendship by attributing it to a factor of