Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I Parts 1, 4, 5, 7, 8. Keep in mind as you read this that "purpose," "end," "goal," and "intent" are synonyms of "good." The highest good is the highest goal, highest end. "Happiness," in Greek, is eudaimonia: "eu" is Greek for "good;" "daimonia" connotes an activity, an active power (a demon).

1. What is Aristotle's conception of true happiness, the highest good for man?

2. Why does Aristotle focus on happiness in these sections?

3. What is his final idea or conception of happiness?

4. How does Aristotle’s conception of happiness differ from the common understanding of happiness today?

5. How does his discussion of the common or vulgar understanding of happiness reflect his empirical anthropology—his view of human nature?

6. How does his conception of true happiness differ from your idea of happiness? How is happiness related to “purpose” (or “end” or “good,” all of which are synonyms in this context)?

7. Does man have an end—a natural purpose or function that uniquely describes the essence of being human?

8. “Felicity” is a common, if somewhat old-fashioned, synonym of happiness. Compare this to Hobbes's discussion of "felicity" in the latter part of chapter 6 of Leviathan.