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Virtue And Happiness In Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics

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The question about virtue and happiness has been always debated due to the fact that these categories have different reflections in every human mind. In his work “Nicomachean Ethics”, Aristotle settled the notions of these definitions that are used right now as the basis for further philosophical thinking. The same can be said about the problem of defining the function as an objective notion or a subjective one that is not brand-new for the philosophy as well. “The being is prior to any relation it has”, mentioned the philosopher. If there is a musical instrument, it means that it is created already with the purpose – to produce the music, and this purpose is applied by the creator of the instrument. In this case, the function to produce the music comes out of our understanding that this very object can make sounds and we delegate the function of producing the music to this object. …show more content…

In this respect every human deed is already predetermined by the aim one want to achieve but the quality of the action is not the same for it varies from the life one lead. These principles can be applied to the objects as it was mentioned on the example of a flute. For every sphere there is a definite virtue – for the generalship that is victory, for building – an edifice and for every choice or action that is the aim. For most cases the aim is happiness in different forms depending on the lifestyle of the seeker, and this happiness is always on account of itself, not for something else. For Aristotle this is a final and thus – perfect aim that is a result of all efforts. If taking the flute to exemplify stated above, then this musical instrument can be the aim for its creator, but for the person who want to listen to the flute music that is only the instrument of gaining the pleasure from the process of

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Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics begins by exploring ‘the good’. Book I argues that, unlike other goods, “happiness appears to be something complete and self-sufficient, and is, therefore, the end of actions” (10:1097b20-21). In other words, happiness is the ultimate good. But how does one achieve happiness? Aristotle formulates this in the context of work, since for all things, from artists to horses, “the good and the doing it well seem to be in the work” (10:1097b27-28).

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Thus, when human function is done well, it is in accordance with virtue and best human life is achieved. In addition, it can be inferred that since Aristotle’s definition of happiness is to be virtuous, performing rational activity well can lead to happiness. In addition, Aristotle states, “if there are more than one virtue, in accordance with the best and most complete” (1098a18). This means that eventually there will be one virtue that is inclusive of all virtue and that displays an end, and this virtue will be in line with the self-sufficient and inclusive concept of happiness as the chief good. If this inclusive virtue and good is achieved, ultimate happiness will be achieved as well.

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