Aristotelian Ethics: Achieving Happiness Through Reason and Virtue

Aristotelian Ethics: The Pursuit of Happiness

Aristotle posits that every principle in the physical world is directed toward an end. This applies to human actions, including those that are freely determined, as the human will always acts with a purpose. These purposes are categorized into two types:

• Means to an end: Actions performed to achieve a further goal.
• Ends in themselves: Actions pursued for their own sake.

The ultimate end is happiness, as it is not sought as a function of something else, but for its own sake. According to Aristotle, happiness is the flourishing of a thing reaching its full potential. What defines a human being? The possession of free will and the use of reason. Therefore, the highest form of happiness for humans lies in the exercise of rational knowledge.

Happiness and Wisdom

Aristotle considers pure theoretical knowledge—knowledge sought for its own sake—to be the highest form of wisdom. For the practical person, this pursuit is the path to happiness.

However, humans are not purely rational; we possess a sensitive soul, which includes passions, desires, and emotions. These cannot be eliminated, as they are part of our animal nature. We must not let them dominate us, as that would mean abandoning our rational nature. The solution is to satisfy these desires while keeping them submissive to reason. Aristotle calls the use of reason to direct our behavior in relation to our passions prudence.

Happiness and Virtue

Aristotle argues that virtue is only achieved when it becomes a habit, rather than an occasional practice. Virtue is a positive habit that makes us better individuals. These virtues are divided into two types:

• Intellectual Virtues: These consist of the habit of using the intellect and reason. Examples include technical knowledge, prudence, science, and wisdom.
• Moral Virtues: These consist of guiding passions, desires, and emotions with prudence to maintain a middle path.