Aristotle s Idea Of The Highest Good - 1309 Words

In his Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle states his idea of the highest good. In his mind, the highest good is happiness, and to achieve it we must be entirely virtuous. There are many different existing views of what happiness consists of, but Aristotle believes that humans are entirely happy when acting in accordance with reason, as well as acting morally and intellectually virtuous. This means that in order to be entirely happy in life, we must understand, obey, and follow what we define as good acts. The formula for happiness is not a simple thing: it consists of more than just being morally good. Happiness can be achieved through many different methods, not just the ones that Aristotle addresses in Nicomachean Ethics. It can branch from physical or emotional feelings, animals can experience it, and so can children, despite what Aristotle says. The journey toward happiness varies from person to person, but it is certainly capable for any given person to achieve happiness in life. There are many different was to achieve complete happiness, and each method differs from person to person. Aristotle suggested that the typical human’s initial idea of happiness revolves around sensuality, materialistic wants, and honours. He stated that this idea of achieving happiness is â€Å"vulgar†, â€Å"slavish in†¦tastes, [living a life] suitable for beasts† (Nicomachean Ethics), proposing that this way of living was barbaric and not suited for modern human beings. There are different aspects ofShow MoreRelatedAristotle s Highest Good Theorem1037 Words   |  5 PagesAristotle’s Highest Good Theorem When Aristotle first published his work entitled â€Å"Nicomachean Ethics†, you can imagine that numerous philosophers, scholars, and ordinary citizens were deeply contemplating his idea of the Highest Good Through the actions of virtue and reason, the act contemplation satisfies Aristotle’s characteristics as the Highest Good Being a self-sufficient, and complete activity, the ability to understand our function as human beings through contemplation achieves the Highest GoodRead MoreComparing Dante And Aquinas On Happiness1377 Words   |  6 Pagescontinued use of Aristotle virtues would not land any of their followers in heaven. To increase chances of one entering heaven, Dante and Aquinas developed proposed the incorporation of hope, faith, and charity into the daily virtues that people possess. 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He writes that one attains happiness by living a life of virtue - our definition is in harmony with those who say that happiness is virtue, or a particular virtue; because an activity in accordance with virtue implies virtue. Indeed, we may go further and assert that anyone who does not delight in fine actions is not even a good man.(Aristotle) A life of virtue implies a life of reasoning for the end goal