Final answer:
Aristotle's concept of happiness differs from that of Epicureans, Stoics, and Hedonists in that it focuses on the long-term 'flourishing' life through the cultivation of virtues, rather than momentary feelings or the strict pursuit of pleasure or rational self-control.
Step-by-step explanation:
Aristotle differs from Epicureans, Stoics, and Hedonists in that happiness for him is not about the feeling at a particular moment. Hedonism, as demonstrated by Epicurus, emphasizes pleasure as the fundamental good and the avoidance of pain. The Stoics, on the other hand, focused on rational self-control and coping with life by adhering to virtue regardless of emotional states. Unlike these philosophies, Aristotle's concept of happiness, or eudaimonia, is related to human flourishing and involves the cultivation and habitual practice of virtues. Eudaimonia is not a momentary feeling but is better characterized as 'flourishing' or living well over the course of a lifetime.
Aristotle posits that the purpose of the human being is happiness understood as eudaimonia, which is the result of a life dedicated to developing virtuous habits and rationality—the unique function of humans. This intellectual virtue, achieved through the perfection of reason and excellence in character, is central to Aristotle's vision of a fulfilling life. In conclusion, while Stoics and Epicureans regarded virtue and rational self-control or pleasure as essential to well-being, Aristotle envisioned virtuous development as not just a means to happiness, but constitutive of happiness itself.