Aristotle Function Argument Essay

Aristotle’s Nichomachean Ethics, aims to comprehend the necessary steps that must be taken to achieve the highest-state of human happiness. An argument Aristotle proposes is the function argument, which aims to demonstrate how all things in nature/existence possess a function that is performed by the right actions; the human function is distinctive from all other animals, and it is an action we must perform finely to achieve the highest state of happiness. Therefore, this essay will explain Aristotle function argument, then critique his inductive argument about the human function.

Firstly, Aristotle asserts that it is necessary the state of happiness can be self-sufficiently obtained, and the process to achieving it would ‘generally’ be …show more content…
In effect, if we can understand the function of a human, then we can align it with certain actions that would satisfy complete goods. he asserts it's an action, because certain forms functions require that arbitrary actions are done finely so the function can properly occur. Insofar it is demonstrated with crafts/skills, which require certain characteristics that make it possible to perform complicated actions. If we are not satisfying these certain actions, then we could not properly perform the function that would produce the good from the craft/skill. Additionally, he uses a method of induction to further his argument. Significantly, if all parts of the human body (or parts of a skill/craft) have a function, then the whole being must possess a function. Furthermore, Aristotle stresses that the human function isn’t aimed towards a vegetative/bestial life of nutrition, growth, and perception. However, the human function is unique, because humans are the only animal that possesses the skill to critically reason; life itself is a constant activity, and we apply the methods of reason to life. In effect, concludes that human possess a special function, which is an activity of the soul that is in accordance with the uses of reason or acquiring deeper forms of reason. Therefore, the life of action the human should live a life devoted towards performing …show more content…
However, Aristotle proposes his inductive argument as a question, rather than a proposal. “every part apparently has its function; may we likewise ascribe to a human being some function apart from all of these?”. This methodology aims to deduce the idea if parts of an object have a function, then the object as whole must also possess an arbitrary function. Significantly, Aristotle’s question aims to express how all things in existence are not created in vain, and he specifies the skills of reasoning is a skill that only humans have. Furthermore, the skill of reasoning can be applied towards an activity, which generates a form of the good. Insofar the action/activity we apply our function toward is complete, and not to obtain an instrumental good. furthermore, if it is an activity we enjoy, then we should strive for excellence in it. However, the argument of induction is problematic, because this can confuse the agent on what actions of life they ought to devote themselves to. Problematically, Aristotle’s methodology is open-ended, which causes it to become ambiguous. Aristotle would respond the methodology of reasoning is an arbitrary trait that only humans possess, and we apply this function to the actions of life. Insofar the life of action possesses complex-actions, which requires us to use the faculties of reasoning to perform finely. In effect, Aristotle would continue to