Aristotle’s Path to Eudaimonia: Understanding Virtue Ethics and Human Flourishing

“Good,” “Eudaimonia,” “Function”—these are some of the concepts Aristotle uses to construct an ethics focused not on what we ought to do, but on how we ought to be. The significant question, then, is “What is virtue?” Aristotle states that virtue is “a characteristic involving choice, consisting in observing the mean relative to us, a mean which is defined by a rational principle, such as a man of practical wisdom would use to determine it.”

Much like Socrates and Plato, Aristotle explains ethics through virtues rather than a normative framework. Aristotle emphasizes the individual’s character, asserting that if we constantly aim to be good, the right actions will follow effortlessly. The good is that at which all things aim.

Humans have a fixed nature, and we flourish by adhering to this nature. A thing is good to the extent that it fulfills its function. Nature has built into us the desire to become virtuous. Virtue is the midpoint between two extremes or vices: deficiency and excess. Virtue is the golden mean. For example, consider the virtue of courage. A soldier will not rush into the battlefield without thinking, as that would make him reckless, the excess of courage. The Aristotelian way of acting involves assessing the situation first and determining whether to rush or ask for backup. All virtues function this way. The right action is always the midpoint between two extremes, and this golden mean depends on the situation. Virtue is practical wisdom, developed through experience and habituation, eventually leading to character.

Now the question arises: why be virtuous? Aristotle says that becoming virtuous allows us to attain eudaimonia, or human flourishing. Through virtues, we can be the best person we can possibly be, honing our strengths while working on our weaknesses.

In line with virtue ethics, Aristotle emphasized the function of man, stating that “every person aims at” eudaimonia. Man can achieve eudaimonia by becoming virtuous through the attainment of arete, or virtues, in one’s life. How can one attain virtues? The answer lies in fulfilling one’s telos, or function, in society. The function of an individual varies, but this does not mean their end goal changes. In simple terms, the method may differ, but the result is the same.

What determines the telos of a man? Telos or function is determined through the task or job given by the state, mostly through established conventions. In this sense, no one is without a function as long as they belong to a state. For Aristotle, one of the functions or telos of a man is to become a political animal. As the function of man is innate, being a political animal is embedded in human nature as long as they belong to a state.

In conclusion, Aristotle’s virtue ethics centers on the development of good character and the pursuit of eudaimonia, or human flourishing. By emphasizing the importance of virtues as the mean between extremes and highlighting the role of practical wisdom, Aristotle provides a framework for ethical behavior that is rooted in our natural inclination to seek the good. The fulfillment of one’s telos, or function, within society is essential to achieving this flourishing. As political animals, our engagement in societal roles and our adherence to rational principles enable us to live virtuously and reach our full potential. Aristotle’s ethical theory thus offers a comprehensive guide to living a balanced and fulfilling life, grounded in the cultivation of virtue and the pursuit of our ultimate purpose.