Aristotle

Aristotle claims that we must be moral (virtuous) if we wish to be happy. He argues for
this claim by first exploring the concept of human happiness and what is needed to achieve
it. He then argues that virtue is a necessary condition for this happiness. I shall discuss
Aristotle’s argument in four steps. First, I shall give Aristotle’s account of human life and
happiness. Second, I shall give his argument for virtue’s place in the happy human life,
including an explanation of the ‘doctrine of the mean’ and ‘reason’s role.’ Third, I shall
give and example of how the doctrine of the mean leads us to practice virtue. Finally, I
shall discuss a problem for Aristotle’s account of virtue.
In Nichomachean Ethics, Aristotle attempts to explain what he believes is the
ultimate goal of all human beings, eudaimonia, meaning “human happiness”. The good
life, he explains, is what all humans strive for i...