Nicomachean Ethics Book 1

Aristotle understands that man seeks to be happy in this life and believes that the way to happiness is by achieving the highest good. This highest good is an activity of the soul in line with virtue or excellence by use of the rational part of the soul (1098a.10-15). What separates this highest good from other external goods and bodily goods is that this good is self sufficient and fully satisfying. With worldly goods, we are never satisfied and consistently look to more. With bodily goods they are not self sufficient and require a healthy properly functioning body to accomplish them. Thus, I agree with Aristotle that the highest good must take part in the soul which is above this worldly life. This activity of the soul is in some ways a perfecting of the soul as the activities are virtuous in pursuit of excellence. This idea of the highest good and perfection of one's self can be seen in the Christian tradition through beatitude.

Additionally, there is an element of balance or temperance within the happy man's life and actions. The happy man is not fickle or changeable as he does not become miserable at each downturn of fortune, nor does he easily become overwhelmed with joy at every positive thing (1101a.5-15). Lady fortune has no grip over the happy man, because he realizes that happiness is achievable by his own activity and does not put all of his trust in chance. This type of behavior refers to the use of reason over the sensible appetites of the soul, which are part of the temporary goods of this life. Aristotle seems correct about the important role reason plays, but does not make the error of placing all happiness on reason alone. Instead, Aristotle uses reason as a guide when using other parts of the soul so that we can flourish as human beings as particular creatures with a rational capacity. Can the highest good lie within our worldly lives or is it something that extends beyond this life?

-BaylorBear16