Book 1 / Chapter 9
Paragraph 3 - The Definition of Happiness and the Role of Political Science
Explanation - Part By Part
"The answer to the question we are asking is plain also from the definition of happiness; for it has been said to be a virtuous activity of soul, of a certain kind."
Aristotle is reaffirming his main idea about happiness. He argues that happiness isn’t just about feeling good or having good luck—it’s deeply tied to virtuous actions performed by the soul. In other words, true happiness comes from living a life where you actively make choices and behave in ways that align with moral excellence and virtue. This "virtuous activity of soul" is not random or accidental; it’s intentional and requires effort, reflection, and the right state of character. Happiness, for Aristotle, is less about fleeting moments of pleasure and more about living a life of purpose and ethical integrity.
"Of the remaining goods, some must necessarily pre-exist as conditions of happiness, and others are naturally co-operative and useful as instruments."
In this part, Aristotle is explaining that happiness (in the sense he defines it—living a virtuous, fulfilled life) isn’t something you can achieve in complete isolation. Certain "goods" or external factors are necessary to either set the stage for happiness or help you along the way.
Some of these things need to already exist for happiness to be possible—think of them as prerequisites or foundations. For example, having health, basic sustenance, or peace in your society makes it much easier for someone to pursue a virtuous life.
Other goods, however, are more like tools or supports that help you live well. These might include things like wealth, friendships, or opportunities—things that don’t automatically make someone happy but are helpful in enabling virtuous actions or sustaining a good life.
Aristotle's point is that while happiness primarily depends on being virtuous, external conditions can’t be ignored because they either enable or hinder someone's ability to fully act and live in a noble and fulfilling way.
"And this will be found to agree with what we said at the outset; for we stated the end of political science to be the best end, and political science spends most of its pains on making the citizens to be of a certain character, viz. good and capable of noble acts."
In this passage, Aristotle connects his ideas about happiness and virtue to the purpose of political science. He argues that the ultimate goal of political science is to aim for the best possible outcome for human life. This isn't just about creating laws or maintaining order; it's about working to shape citizens into people of good character, individuals who are virtuous and able to perform noble, commendable actions. In other words, the role of political science, or governance, is not merely practical but moral—it seeks to cultivate a society where people can live excellent, meaningful lives aligned with the highest good.