Function Argument

Introduction

In the book Nicomachean ethics we see Aristotle claiming that in order to find out the good of a human being one must first identify the function that the human has. He attempts to convey the view that the human function is as a result of the rational activity (Aristotle and Ross 67). In other words, what Aristotle puts across is the fact that our good is our rational activity, which is done well. In this notion, Aristotle associates the rational activity with virtue. Drawing an argument from Aristotle's form and matter account he argues that function is not necessarily purposed, but it is just a way of functioning (Whiting 33). This means that function is how and what a certain thing does. The way that humans work or function is through the process of making choices and to be able to function properly humans need to make rational choices. It is clear that the role of function in the book is intended to analyze the factor of human good. He tries to explain how to function and human good are related to one another.

Discussion

Every human activity has an outcome, this means that each activity that a human does has the final good that it aims at accomplishing. Aristotle argued that there must always be the highest good at which all the activity that a human does is ultimately aimed at achieving. This ultimate good could be seen as happiness. Happiness, in other words, can be living well. However, knowing what happiness really means becomes very tricky since it cannot be described as acquiring material possessions since there are people who have wealth but are not really happy. This, therefore, led Aristotle to come up with the notion that humans have a characteristic function that they are to perform. Therefore, the human being should aim at life with a full attachment to their rational functions. This, in turn, shows that the satisfaction of their desires or the acquisition of material possessions is not that important compared to the achievement of a life of virtue.

Aristotle argues that the goodness of an object is defined by the objectives of its function (Aristotle and Ross 67). Therefore looking at an example of the eye, it has its own functions which are to see. The objective of this organ is sight therefore, a good eye will have good sight and the good sight is the eyes greatest good. He goes ahead to declare that in man to be a properly functioning person one must have a reason or purpose. Moreover, man's greatest good is as a result of the activities that are rational in his purpose for being. These functions involve each and every activity in the life of a human being. Therefore, this is the reason that Aristotle comes up with the notion that the good of a thing with a function depends on that function (Korsgaard 259).

According to Aristotle, the function of a human is being able to act in accordance with reason. He tries to tell people that to be good or to be successful at rational activities makes the human happy, which in turn goes to show that the human has achieved his function in a peculiar manner. According to Aristotle, to be in a position to settle on the implication of happiness, it is imperative to appreciate the function of a human (Aristotle and Ross 70). Since excellence is as a result of a person being able to perform his function well, we see that the human function is that which distinguishes him from all the rest. Therefore, the function of a human is as a result of the activity of his soul in accordance with reason. Aristotle confirms that acting in harmony to one's motive is acting with good worth. Therefore, the good of man is as a result of the activity of his souls and his virtue (Korsgaard 44).

Human good is categorized into three groups; the external good, the good associated with the soul, and the good associated with a human's body. The good associated with the souls is seen as the most important since it deals with the person actions. The greatest human good is happiness and this entails the factor of living well. Aristotle states that the good of a human entails the entire proper functioning of the human's life. This, therefore, must be an activity involving the soul, which in turn expresses proper virtue or excellence. This is, therefore, the connection that a humans good has to his or her virtue. Since the humans good is connected to the soul, thus comes the element of virtue since virtue is as a result of the activities of the soul. Therefore, good conduct is only achievable by through habits that can only be gotten through the repeated correction and actions of a human (Whiting 47).

Conclusion

Aristotle argues that pleasure is not good. This is because it is very incomplete in its natural state. Therefore, true happiness lies in the activities which lead the human being to virtue. This is because it is virtue alone that guides a human to achieving true value and not amusement. Therefore, a happy human being is one whose functions lead him to virtue which in turn gives that human a happy life. Aristotle says that true happiness is not measured by the amount of money one has or the amount of possessions that one's has been able to acquire rather it is as a result of the person's virtue in life. This means to be happy one must practice virtue.