# The End explained — Nicomachean Ethics

> Chapter companion for Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle.

## What happens

This chapter concludes the inquiry into happiness by defining it as an activity of the soul in accordance with perfect virtue, and transitions to an examination of virtue itself. It distinguishes the rational and irrational parts of the soul, introduces the function argument to establish man's proper end, and critiques popular conceptions of the good (pleasure, honor, wealth) as well as the Platonic theory of a universal good.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Good and Happiness

Happiness is defined as the final, self-sufficient end of human action, consisting in activity of the soul according to virtue.

### Practical Wisdom and Reason

The rational part of the soul is distinguished from the irrational, and reason is central to the function argument and the exercise of virtue.

## Character check-ins

### Aristotle

Author of the text; presents the function argument and defines happiness as activity of the soul in accordance with virtue.

### Socrates

Referenced implicitly as part of the philosophical tradition; the critique of the universal good echoes Platonic dialogues.

### Plato

His theory of Ideas is directly criticized in the discussion of the 'universal good.'

## Key lines

> Since happiness is an exercise of the vital faculties in accordance with perfect virtue or excellence, we will now inquire about virtue or excellence; for this will probably help us in our inquiry about happiness.

Because happiness consists in actively living well according to complete virtue, we must next study virtue itself to better understand happiness.

_Transition from defining happiness to examining virtue._

> The function of man, then, is exercise of his vital faculties [or soul] on one side in obedience to reason, and on the other side with reason.

Man's proper function is to live an active life guided by reason, both by following rational principles and by exercising rational thought.

_Core statement of the function argument._

> Both are dear to us, but it is a sacred duty to give the preference to truth.

We value both our friends and the truth, but when they conflict, we must honor truth above all.

_Aristotle's methodological principle in criticizing Plato's theory of Ideas._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/chapters/the-end
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/chapters