Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics May 2026

Aristotle begins by stating that all human activities aim at some "good". However, most goods (like money or fame) are merely means to an end. The only thing pursued for its own sake is .

Just as a knife is "good" if it cuts well, a human is "good" if they perform their unique function well. Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics

For Aristotle, the unique human function is the activity of the soul in accordance with reason . Aristotle begins by stating that all human activities

True happiness is not a temporary emotion but a state achieved over a complete life. The Nature of Virtue (Arete) Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics