Explain Aristotle’s account of eudaimonia, making clear both what he takes it to be and Aristotle’s argument for his conclusion.

Assignment Question

Philosophical inquiries into the notion of happiness can be traced back to the theorizing of the ancients, especially of Aristotle. In Nicomachean Ethics, he offers one of the first extensive conceptual analyses of what ancient philosophers call eudaimonia, a term commonly but perhaps inadequately translated as ‘happiness.’ Haybron argues that the word ‘eudaimonia’ should not be understood as ‘happiness’ but rather as ‘well-being’ and offers several criticisms of Aristotle’s theory of well-being, as he understands it. Evaluate Aristotle’s theory of happiness in light of Haybron’s objections. In your paper, be sure to address the following considerations.

Explain Aristotle’s account of eudaimonia, making clear both what he takes it to be and Aristotle’s argument for his conclusion.

Articulate one of Haybron’s objections and state whether you agree with Haybron’s assessment of Haybron’sview. Be sure to provide an argument to support your answer.

Consider at least one objection to your argument. How would you reply to this objection?