Aristotle's Ethics: Pursuit of Happiness and Virtue

Aristotle's Ethics: The Pursuit of Happiness

Aristotle's ethics centers on the pursuit of happiness as its ultimate purpose. While some equate happiness with pleasure or wealth, Aristotle believed that the wise person finds it in living a life of intellectual virtue. This doesn't mean rejecting sensory pleasures or material goods, but rather enjoying them in moderation, ensuring they don't hinder the contemplation of truth.

The Concept of Virtue

Aristotle developed the concept of virtue as a balance. Human actions should be governed by prudence and reason. He distinguished between two types of virtue:

• Dianoetic virtues: Related to the exercise of intelligence.
• Ethical virtues: Related to sensitivity and affection.

All virtues are habits acquired through repetition. The ultimate virtue is justice, which encompasses compliance with laws and respect for fellow citizens.

Aristotle on Politics: The City-State and Forms of Government

For Aristotle, humans are by nature "political animals." He argued that only animals and gods can live in isolation. The natural drive for reproduction and conservation leads people to live together, first in families, then in villages (groups of families), and finally in the city-state (a community of sufficient size).

The Ideal City-State

The proper functioning of a city-state requires more than just shared goals. It also demands sensible and appropriate laws that respect differences and educate citizens for civic responsibility in freedom. (Note: Aristotle, reflecting the views of his time, did not extend citizenship to women or slaves.)

Forms of Government

Aristotle identified three legitimate forms of government:

• Monarchy: Rule by one.
• Aristocracy: Rule by the best.
• Republic: Rule by many.

He contrasted these with their degenerate forms:

• Tyranny: The degenerate form of monarchy.
• Oligarchy: The degenerate form of aristocracy.
• Democracy: (In Aristotle's view) government by the poor.

Aristotle believed that the best form of government depends on the specific circumstances of a state. He studied the constitutions of 158 states to understand which system worked best in different contexts. In principle, any form of government is good if the ruler seeks the well-being of the governed.