In the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle declares that if there is some universal or
ID: 3525417 • Letter: I
Question
In the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle declares that if there is some universal or absolute good in the life of a human being, it must be ___________. Which the following best characterizes Aristotle’s account of this universal good?
a. happiness = that which is always chosen as end in itself and never as a means.
b. health = a man’s health is prior to any other possible good he can experience or hope for.
c. holiness = without faith in and reverence to God, nothing else in life is worthwhile or meaningful.
d. honesty = a man who is dishonest forfeits any possibility of obtaining the good in life.
e. honor = that which brings praise, dignity, and respect in a life well lived.
Explanation / Answer
The following best characterizes Aristotle’s account of this universal good;
a. happiness = that which is always chosen as end in itself and never as a means. (as according to him the highest good and the end toward which all human activity is directed is happiness, which can be defined as continuous contemplation of eternal and universal truth)