Final answer:
Aristotle defines happiness as flourishing (eudaimonia), achieved through the activity of the soul in accordance with virtue and the development of excellent character. Virtue is essential to happiness, as it allows us to fulfill our rational nature. Additionally, friendship plays a crucial role in the pursuit of a flourishing life.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Aristotle, happiness, or eudaimonia, is not just a fleeting emotional state but a way of flourishing and living well. Happiness for Aristotle is the ultimate goal of human action, the highest good at which all our actions aim. It’s the complete and sufficient good for a human life. He defines happiness as the activity of the soul in accordance with virtue. Virtue, or aretê, embraces characteristics or habits that allow a person to live according to their rational nature. For Aristotle, exercising rationality and developing virtuous habits through consistent practice is essential for achieving eudaimonia.
Aristotle also emphasizes the importance of social relationships, particularly friendship, in achieving happiness. He identifies three types of friendships: those of pleasure, utility, and character, with the latter being paramount to a flourishing life. Friendships based on character foster mutual recognition of good qualities and virtues, which contribute to our well-being and overall happiness.
In Aristotle's view, the development of virtue is central to happiness because it allows us to perform our function as rational beings excellently. In this sense, virtuous actions are not merely means to happiness but are part of the happiness itself. Furthermore, since humans are inherently social creatures, forming meaningful relationships is also crucial for achieving a life of flourishing.