Question

Briefly discuss the ‘function argument’ discussed by Aristotle in Book I of the Nicomachean Ethics. Introducing this argument, discuss how Aristotle arrives at his definition of Happiness by way of this argument?

Answer 1

Function Argument:

In the book Nicomachean Ethics1.7, Aristotle claims that we must identify what is the function of human being in order to discover the human god. He defines human function as a rational activity. Our good is considered to be a rational activity that is performed well which Aristotle taken to mean in accordance with the virtue. Aristotle aruges that function is way of functioning (How a thing does what is does). Anything that a human being does is by making a rational choice. The happiness or human good is not the result of a rational choice, but consist in it, beacause a rational action is the one whose principle expresses the agent's conception of what is worth performing for the sake of what.

Aristotle's discovery of happiness:

The ultimate purpose of the Nicomachean Ethics is discover the human good and we need to aim for it in life and do things that helps us in achieving it. Aristotle say that everybody calls this good eudaimonia as happniess, well being etc. but people usually disagree on what can make us happy. Aristotle suggest that we mighe find out what consist happiness if we can identify the "Function" of human beings. According to Aristotle, for all the the things that has a function, the good, the happiness resides in the function and if a human being perform that function well they can attain happiness.