Aristotle gives his
definition of happiness:
“the function
of man is to live a certain kind of life, and this activity implies a rational
principle, and the function of a good man is the good and noble performance of
these, and if any action is well performed it is performed in accord with the
appropriate excellence: if this is the case, then happiness turns out to be an
activity of the soul in accordance with virtue”.(Nicomachean
Ethics,
1098a13)
According to Aristotle, happiness consists in
achieving, through the course of a whole lifetime, all the goods — health, wealth,
knowledge, friends, etc. — that lead to the perfection of human nature and to
the enrichment of human life. This requires us to make choices, some of which
may be very difficult. Often the lesser good promises immediate pleasure and is
more tempting, while the greater good is painful and requires some sort of
sacrifice. For example, it may be easier and more enjoyable to spend the night
watching television, but you know that you will be better off if you spend it
researching for your term paper. Developing a good character requires a strong
effort of will to do the right thing, even in difficult situations.
·
Happiness is the ultimate end and
purpose of human existence
·
Happiness is not pleasure, nor is it
virtue. It is the exercise of virtue.
·
Happiness cannot be achieved until the
end of one’s life. Hence it is a goal and not a temporary state.
·
Happiness is the perfection of human
nature. Since man is a rational animal, human happiness depends on the exercise
of his reason.
·
Happiness depends on acquiring a moral
character, where one displays the virtues of courage, generosity, justice,
friendship, and citizenship in one’s life. These virtues involve striking a
balance or “mean” between an excess and a deficiency.
·
Happiness requires intellectual
contemplation, for this is the ultimate realization of our rational capacities.
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