Final answer:
Aristotle avoids relativism by defining human happiness as eudaimonia, an objective state of human flourishing achieved through the practice of virtue. By identifying rationality as the unique function of humans, cultivating rationality and virtue leads to true happiness, providing a consistent framework for human flourishing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Aristotle avoids the trap of relativism concerning human happiness by positing a function or purpose that is specific to humans. He believes that every action and pursuit aims at some good, with the ultimate good being eudaimonia, translated as flourishing or human flourishing. This state of flourishing is not subjective or relative but is an objective state that can be achieved by practicing virtuous habits. Virtue plays a central role in reaching eudaimonia. According to Aristotle, the virtues are habits of character that enable a person to make the right choice in a given situation, thereby cultivating a flourishing life.
Aristotle defines human excellence or virtue in terms of the function and nature of what it means to be human. He considers rationality to be the unique function of human beings and therefore human virtue is realized through the perfection of reason. By perfecting reason and cultivating virtuous habits, individuals can achieve a state of eudaimonia, which constitutes true happiness. This approach to ethics—where the flourishing of an individual is linked to the practice and perfection of virtues—allows Aristotle to provide a framework for happiness that transcends the variability of personal preferences and circumstances, thereby avoiding relativism.