Similarities Between John Stuart Mill And Aristotle Happiness

When asking if the happiness of an individual should rate higher than the welfare of the general state of society, I strongly disagree. Many people make the most of their lives by having the knowledge to understand what matters in life. On the other hand there are also an abundance of people who do not have the knowledge to know what matters in life. The definition of happiness is, “Happiness is thought of as the good life, freedom from suffering, flourishing, well-being, joy, prosperity, and pleasure” (Happiness). As individuals, we all seek happiness; philosophers throughout history have contemplated what the meaning of happiness actually is, and what we as people can do to achieve it. “John Stewart mills, the author of utilitarians, has his own definition of happiness and he …show more content…
Although they had different views on whos happiness was more important, both Aristotle and John Stuart Mill agreed that the end would bring happiness. Even though they agreed on this, they argued over the fact of what the end was. “The Utilitarian view of happiness is slightly different than that of Aristotle. Both Aristotle and Utilitarian’s would agree that the ultimate end will lead to happiness, but they disagree on just what the ultimate end is” (Bear Market). Aristotle believes that individuals own happiness is more important than that of the people as a whole. Many of us do not want to accept the fact that humans are selfish creatures, but Aristotle believed that we only did things for ourselves. For example, if we helped someone or did community service, we wouldn’t be doing these things for the people we are helping, but for the feeling of happiness we get after we do the service. Aristotle believes that the feeling of happiness we receive after helping someone is what keeps us coming back, not the fact that we are helping others, but I highly disagree with Aristotle’s point of