According to Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle， what are the two forms of activities ? Which form does happiness belong to ? Why is the nature of actions in conformity with virtue ?

Question

According to Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle， what are the two forms of activities ? Which form does happiness belong to ? Why is the nature of actions in conformity with virtue ?

Answer 1

Hi Ed S,

These general notes can help to answer your questions.

Aristotle distinguishes between two forms of activities, the activities that are motivated by simply pleasure. Such activities are not always virtuous, especially when pleasures are in excess. The activities that are motivated by choice, disposition, and deliberation. These activities are mostly virtuous, especially if they lead to achieving happiness (Eudaimonia). Happiness can only be attained when one achieves a mean between the too-much (excess) and the too-little (deficiency). Temperance, for example, is the mean between anger and bitterness. Likewise, truthfulness is the mean between boastfulness and self-depreciation.

Another way to attain happiness is doing the Good. Like his friend Plato, Aristotle emphasizes the idea of contemplating the Good. However, Aristotle goes further than simply contemplation of the Good. He believes one should not simply know the Good but needs to do the Good. Doing things properly (proper functioning) is viewed by Aristotle as one of the highest activities and is part of the rational Soul. That is the reason Aristotle emphasizes "actualization of potentials" in life.

Aristotle states that everything in life is created for a purpose. He divides virtues into character virtues and moral virtues. However, both virtues are teleological in the sense that they are made to lead Mankind to a better life and achieve happiness.