Currently studying Nicomachean Ethics

[vptran84]

Hello,

Im currently studying Nicomachean Ethics, and was wondering someone can help me out with this question. I'm actually an Electrical Engineering major, so obviously I am not very good with this philosophy thing. If anyone could help me, it would greatly be appreciated.

According to Aristotle, what kind of life will make a man achieve his highest goal of happiness? Why does he think this?

 

[Les Sleeth]

According to Aristotle, what kind of life will make a man achieve his highest goal of happiness? Why does he think this?

Aristotle's idea is that the things we do are all working toward some good (what's good for us). So "good' is what makes us happy. Nicomachean Ethics are virtues Aristotle believed make humans most happy. He runs through various activities most humans are involved in, and then suggests how each can be practiced to produce good. In the end he concludes that of all activities, contemplative reason is the highest good. Considering the tradition he's within, and that all his work is the result of contemplative reason, it is no surprise reason is his choice for the highest good.

As an aside, it's interesting Aristotle proposes the highest good is realized through activities done for their own sake and not as a means to some other goal. Yet according to Aristotle happiness in all cases is achieved by other activities; so it seems that Aristotle cannot offer us a philosophy which allows us to achieve what he claims is "highest" (i.e., because he suggests no way to directly experience happiness).

One might contrast Aristotle's view to the aspect of Indian philosophy which claims there actually is a direct route to happiness. That is, within each of us is an experience which we can develop, and that experience is itself bliss. One does not need to do good to experience it, one does not need virtues to experience it. One only needs to know how to experience it.

 

[Architeuthis Dux]

Aristotle believed that the ultimate goal of human life is to achieve happiness, or what he called eudaimonia. He believed that this can only be achieved by living a life of moral virtue, which is the mean between two extremes - excess and deficiency. This means finding the right balance in our actions and emotions, and making choices that are in accordance with reason and moral principles.

Aristotle thought that living a life of moral virtue would lead to a state of inner harmony and contentment, as well as good relationships with others. He believed that this type of life is the most fulfilling and satisfying, as it allows us to fully develop our human potential and fulfill our purpose as rational beings.

Furthermore, Aristotle argued that happiness is not a fleeting emotion or pleasure, but rather a state of being that we can attain through consistent and deliberate effort. He believed that happiness is not dependent on external factors, such as wealth or fame, but is rather an internal state that we can cultivate through our actions and choices.

In summary, Aristotle believed that living a life of moral virtue is the key to achieving true happiness because it allows us to fulfill our human potential and live in accordance with our rational nature.