The ultimate goal of life- Aristotle

As Aristotle has mentioned it, the ultimate goal of human life is about happiness. Therefore, ethics is categorized as the science of achieving happiness. Contemplation is the highest completion the nature of human beings as rational beings, ‘the connection between the human function and human happiness implies that contemplation is a supremely important element in happiness’ (Craig, Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy 1998, 429). The highest good is defined in terms of happiness. Aristotle emphasizes a different opinion of the notion of happiness. Happiness cannot be merely categorized into pleasure. You do not need rational capabilities to feel pleasure. Even animals do have pleasure because pleasure can be derived even from wicked behaviour. However, to feel happiness one needs to have rational capabilities. That is where humans are animals become different. Aristotle says, ‘A Virtuous person makes a decision (Prohairesis) to do the virtuous action for its own sake’ (Craig, Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy 1998, 428). However, deliberation is needed to take a correct decision. Wisdom or prudence is therefore required for the virtuous character because best virtuous actions are identified by wisdom. Aristotle identifies that both the virtuous character and the actions which expresses them need to be chosen for their own sakes due to being the components of happiness.