Final answer:
Aristotle believes that happiness or eudaimonia—understood as human flourishing—is the highest good and is achieved through the cultivation of virtues and rationality, as well as maintaining meaningful friendships and other external goods.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Aristotle, individuals find their greatest happiness in the pursuit of eudaimonia, which is a state of human flourishing. This condition is much more profound than a transient emotion; it is about thriving in a way that fulfills human nature and purpose.
Aristotle posits that happiness, or eudaimonia, is the ultimate goal of human action and asserts that virtue is essential for achieving this goal. He defines virtues as habits of character that guide us in making decisions that are aligned with our true function as rational beings. Therefore, individuals achieve eudaimonia by cultivating virtues, which leads to a fulfilling life.
Furthermore, Aristotle emphasizes that virtuous development alone is not sufficient for a flourishing life. Success, friendships, and other external goods are also vital contributors to eudaimonia. He distinguishes between different types of friendships, noting that those based on character are the most meaningful and contribute most significantly to our well-being. In essence, virtue, rationality, and social relationships play an indispensable role in the Aristotelian pursuit of a flourishing life.