Reading Questions #6

1. Explain why, for Aristotle, happiness is the ultimate goal of the human being. Then, explain
why happiness requires the use of reason and what the function of reason is in terms of
happiness.
Happiness is the ultimate goal because it is desirable for itself, is not desirable for the
sake of other goods, and all other goods are desirable for its sake; it is the ultimate good.
Aristotle states that happiness must come from the function of human beings. This function
comes from the rational part of the soul with respect to virtue. The soul that humans exclusively
have from all other species is the rational soul. Therefor, the good of human being must come
from our ability to use reason; it is what provides the potential to give ourselves a better life and
thus a life of happiness.
2. How would Aristotle respond to the claim that in many instances a person would be happier if
he or she did the vicious thing?
Aristotle would disagree with this statement. If an individual does acts out of viciousness
they are being guided by vices rather than virtues. Vices are ends that are only momentary. Their
divisible nature creates a conflicted soul for the individual. However, virtues are ends that are
permanent. By unifying and balancing the soul, they are able to create stability over time. The
absence of virtues prevents us from having a balanced soul. While the individual may initially
think they are happier from the vicious act, eventually this perceived happiness will end.
3. Explain how, for Aristotle, virtue is necessary for happiness, but not always sufficient. Give an
example to illustrate how a person may fail to be happy despite developing the virtues.
Virtues are necessary but not always sufficient for happiness because acting virtuous
alone is not enough to achieve happiness. Virtues constitute happiness, but making them a goal
will not lead to happiness. It is only when virtues are used as a means toward a goal that
happiness can be achieved. If an individual decides to make a goal to be more respectable, they
will fail at being happy. Being respectable for the sake of being respectable is not enough. While
they have developed the virtue of respect, their failure to apply it to a goal prevents them from
being happy. Had the individual decided to be more respectable to strengthen the friendship of a
neighbor, the virtue would be properly applied and the opportunity to gain happiness occurs.
4. Explain the process of developing the virtues and the specific role of reason in this
development. Do the latter by starting with a virtue, understood as a mean between excess and
deficiency, and apply it to a concrete example.
Developing virtues begins as early as childhood. If all things go as planned, we are taught
the proper habits and emotional responses. As we age into adulthood we use these learned
responses to make intelligent reflections on our aims. Once we reach this level of development,
we must find a mean between the excess and deficiency of virtues. Each individuals mean is
reflective of the specific of the circumstances surrounding themselves. A courageous person is

able to reason that some dangerous situations are worth pursuing while others are not. This
person is able to find the mean between the coward and the daring person.