12 Questions
Why does Aristotle argue that happiness is the highest good?
Because it is chosen as an end sufficient in itself
According to Aristotle, why do we call people 'good'?
If they perform their function well
What is the distinctive activity of humans according to Aristotle?
Rationality
How does Aristotle describe the supreme Good?
An activity of the rational soul in accordance with virtue
What aspect of the soul controls our impulses according to Aristotle?
The rational part
How does Aristotle suggest a person can be considered happy?
By being virtuous, rational, and active in life
What is the main focus of political science according to the text?
Studying the highest ends for human life
Why can politics be considered not a precise science?
Because it aims at a rough outline of the Good
What is a common misconception about happiness as stated in the text?
Common people define happiness as sensual pleasure
According to Plato's Theory of Forms, how are all good things considered?
Good in the same way
Why does the text suggest that Plato's Theory of Forms may be flawed?
Due to the diversity in what we consider 'good'
What does the text propose should be our focus instead of abstract concepts like the Form of Good?
Concerning ourselves with practical ends in everyday life
Study Notes
Human Activity and the Concept of Good
- Every human activity aims at some end that is considered good, with highest ends being ends in themselves and subordinate ends being means to higher ends.
The Supreme Good
- The study of the Good is part of political science, as it concerns securing the highest ends for human life.
- The supreme Good is happiness, but there is disagreement over what constitutes happiness.
Common Views of Happiness
- Common people equate happiness with sensual pleasure, but this may only be sufficient for animals, not humans.
- Others consider receiving honors as the greatest good, but honors are recognition of goodness, implying a greater good.
Plato's Theory of Forms
- Plato's Theory suggests a single Form of Good, but this theory seems flawed due to the diversity of things considered "good" and the various ways of considering goodness.
Practical Ends and Happiness
- Our interest lies in the practical question of how to be good, so we should focus on practical ends rather than abstract concepts.
- Happiness is the highest good because we choose it as an end sufficient in itself, and intelligence and virtue are good because they make us happy.
Human Function and the Rational Soul
- We call people "good" if they perform their function well, and the distinctive activity of humans is rationality.
- The supreme Good should be an activity of the rational soul in accordance with virtue.
Defining Happiness
- Happiness is seen as the virtuous, rational, and active state of a person.
- We consider a person's life as a whole when talking about happiness, not just brief moments.
The Paradox of Happiness
- The paradoxical suggestion is that a person can be considered happy only after death, when his or her life can be examined as a whole.
Virtuous Behavior and Happiness
- A good person will always behave virtuously, even in the face of great misfortune.
- Posthumous honors or dishonors and the behavior of descendants may affect a person's happiness somewhat, but not to a great extent.
The Soul and Virtue
- The soul can be divided into an irrational and a rational part.
- The rational part of the soul controls impulses, and a virtuous person with greater rationality is better able to control their impulses.
Test your knowledge on Aristotle's views on the highest good and political science. Explore the concept of the supreme Good and how it relates to human life.
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