... the complete good seems to be self-sufficient". Happiness according to Aristotle, ..requires both complete virtue and a complete life"(1100a, d 2). Happiness then, is the activity of the soul in accordance with complete virtue in a complete life. There are disputations as to where happiness could be found. Some people say it could be found in pleasure, others claim it is found in honor, health, wealth etc. From Aristotle's point of view, these qualities are not characteristics of happiness, since they are not the end, but the means to an end. In other words, the greatest good must be self-sufficient, complete and happiness fits this characterization. Aristotle arrives at this definition because, he seems to believe that happiness of man depends on knowing what his function is -the function that sets him apart from "plants and animals". "It is the active exercise of his soul's faculties in conformity with excellence ...

See this essay or coursework document in full right now