The Pursuit Of Good In Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics

From living pleasurably to evading pain, life is essentially about finding, or achieving, happiness. But how to achieve happiness is a widely discussed, and philosophized about, topic. In Aristotle’s best-known work, Nicomachean Ethics, ‘eudaimonia’ is a direct Greek translation of the English word ‘happiness.’ The word ‘eudaimonia’ in Greek implies success and fulfillment in one’s own life. This makes happiness the supreme good in life, but many argue over what ‘good’ is. Some say that happiness or good is solely sensual, but Aristotle believes that humans have a larger purpose than just sensual pleasure. Others believe that good is honors, but honors are only the acknowledgment of what is good, making a higher good evident. Plato proposed an idea of a universal, single Form of Good, and that all ‘good’ things have the characteristics. Aristotle states that this theory does not take into the variety of …show more content…
The concept of being virtuous is something that renders another good. For example, if someone performs a task that they are meant to do, and they do it exceptionally, then it displays good virtue. He also says that virtue is achieved by upholding the Mean, or the balance between two excesses. This reasoning ability is what separates us from mammals and other animals in this world. However, this humanistic virtue does not solely mean virtue of the body and physical actions, it includes virtue of the soul as well – similar to the idea of human happiness meaning happiness of the soul. Virtue of humans is the characteristics that make them good, and ultimately, which makes them perform their jobs and work well. Virtue is reliant on choice, and is instilled in children from a young age. This choice is determined through rational principles and reasoning, and by reasoning, a virtuous and intelligent human will choose