The Role Of Happiness In Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics

"Let us resume our inquiry and state, in view of the fact that all knowledge and every pursuit aims at some good, what it is that we say political science aims at and what is the highest of all goods achievable by action." (Section 4). In this area of Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, a basis is set for defining what happiness is, and why we might view it as one of the "highest goods achievable." Happiness and Philosophy is a topic that has cemented its relevancy in our society. It remains a topic that raises questions every day, even among non-philosophers. "What is happiness?" is a question we might ask ourselves. If it is truly one of the highest of all goods, what happens when one person's happiness conflicts with another's? Before exploring that question, I want to briefly discuss an idea that I have heard about from time to time. …show more content…
We find jobs to pay rent and buy food, but we also takes times for ourselves to enjoy life. For some people, pursuing their ideals is synonymous with finding happiness. Aristotle explains that the meaning of happiness can easily vary from person to person, and with varying ideas, there is always the possibility of conflict. This took me back to the ideas found in Plato's Book VI, where a ship's crew will start to step over one another for power. I think this situation is unavoidable, as there will always be people who will seek happiness at the expense of other's happiness. Alternatively, seeking happiness as well as a virtuous life might be closer in relation to the "highest