Happiness in Nicomachean Ethics and Living the Rule of St. Benedict Tod

Essay written by Elizabeth SippelFrom pursuing pleasure to avoiding pain, life seems to ultimately be somewhat achieving happiness. However, how to define and obtainhappiness has and continues to be a widely debated issue. InNicomachean Ethics, Aristotle gives his view on happiness. According toAristotle, different types of people pursue different ends. The many, orordinary people, pursue pleasure, whereas politicians seek glory. However,people of superior refinement seek happiness. Happiness is the highestgoal because it is an end desired entirely for its own sake, and it is selfsufficient. In enact to define happiness, the function of man must be considered.Aristotle says that what makes man unique is his ability to reason. Thusreason must be connected to happiness in some way. Aristotle furtherargues that virtue is also tied to happiness. Virtue can be categorized aseither intellectual or moral. Intellectual virtue, as the name suggests,corresponds to the reasoning self. Moral vi rtue, on the other hand,corresponds to the desiring self. Thus moral vi...