The Necessity of Virtue in the Search for the Ultimate Goal of Human Life: Aristotle in Dialogue With the Contemporary World

Abstract

This study analysed Aristotle’s dialogue on virtue as a necessity for the ultimate goal of human existence. Aristotle (384-322 BC) argued that virtue is indispensable for the attainment of the ultimate goal of human life resulting from contemplation. He identified it as eudaimonia, translated to mean happiness (living well or faring well). He contended that living according to the virtues translates to living in tune with human nature which guarantees true happiness. However, a cursory look at our contemporary society reveals that the necessity of virtue has been greatly undermined while what guarantees true happiness has also been misconstrued. In such a situation, there is a growing concern within the moral community as to how the knowledge of good impacts our emotions and sense of reason; hence, reemphasizing the place of virtue in attaining the goal of a good human society is indisputable. Through effective application of the method of analysis, this work attempted to outline Aristotle’s arguments which speak in favour of the necessity of virtue. The objective was to defend the practice of virtue as an indispensable component of the happy life notwithstanding different objections to the necessity thesis. In conclusion, the argument was sustained that the thesis of the necessity of virtue which Aristotle defended in antiquity still has something to tell us today. Therefore, contemporary accounts of the good or happy life should prioritize virtue.