Aristotle: Human Function

In the book of “The Basic Works of Aristotle”, Aristotle begins Nicomachean Ethics by trying to answer the question of 'What the ultimate purpose of human existence is?”. He explains that there must be one end of all human actions, because a human action is one which is done on purpose and as an end goal. Aristotle suggests that we might arrive at a clearer beginning of happiness if we could first establish function of a human being (NE 1.7 942). He explains that every part our body has a function and the good or the will lies within the function and he describes in a bigger detail of how the understanding the function argument will clarify his answer for the question of what the ultimate purpose of human existence is.

The solid argument establishes that the human function is ‘‘the dynamic life of the component that has a balanced value’’ (NE 1.7 943). The human good therefore is the movement of the rational part of the soul performed well, which is to say, in agreement with virtue (NE 1.

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7 943). Aristotle explains that action may be performed for a limited goal, but that goal is a means to larger goal which is a means to another even larger goal, until one reaches the final goal which is desired for its own sake. The argument also examines that ‘‘for all things that have a function or activity, the good and the ‘well’ is thought to exist in the function’’ (NE 1.7 942). In this book, Aristotle basically states that Anything that is valuable has a function because it works for a reason as a mean to something that is greater good.

All lesser goods, such as wealth, honor, fame, glory, pleasure, et are not desired for themselves but in order to get to something bigger and the ultimate destiny which is happiness. He states that the highest good is happiness which was final and self-adequate (NE 1.7 943). Aristotle is basically arguing that all the material things we peruse work as a function to get to something higher and ultimate. Aristotle Defines that happiness is reached by considering characteristic function of man. Although happiness meets the criteria established for the final good for something that is can be achievable, Aristotle recognizes that these criteria tell us little about the nature of happiness and a strong explanation is required ( NE 1.7 943).

The Function Argument

Aristotle explains, “Given that everything has a function (e.g., a flute-player, a sculptor, a doctor, an ears, a foot, and or hand), human beings must also have a function Because of our shared human nature, our function must also be the same ( NE 1.7 944). He further breaks down the function of human involving the exercise of a distinctive power or capability not shared by animals or plants. Furthermore, Aristotle argues that rationalizing activity is the only unique to humans which makes human very different creation from everything else. “If something has a function, it’s good because it consists in performing that function with excellence virtue. Therefore, human being’s happiness consists in a life devoted to performing our human function rational activity, with excellence” (NE 1.7 944). Since human beings have a function as well as rationalizations, their happiness will include in life committed to living in virtues ways.

Happiness is the highest good because is it something that we can control. True happiness is what we give ourselves (being virtuous) not what is in the hands of others (fame/popularity).

Material things cannot be the highest good because they will lead to infinite regress. Aristotle states that everything has a function and if they are fulfilling this function then they will ultimately receive happiness. The function of human beings is to be in accordance with reason for the end goal of (eudaimonia) happiness (NE 1. 7 943).

It’s true that happiness is the ultimate end but who said it is the ultimate end for our generation. We say that we are happy when we are enjoying a beautiful weather at the beach which does not mean the highest end but a temporary mean. I am happy for that moment and not forever because it is impossible to stay happy ultimately. Everyone is different and have different end than what Aristotle argues for. Yes, we all have function as human beings and every part of us have purpose of use, but I believe that happiness can be a mean to end for many things. For example, I want to be happy because I want to live in peace. I want to be happy because I want to be healthy by practicing a happy life without any stress or depression because happiness can be a means to a better health.