Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics
what are the main reasons Aristotle gives in support of his claim that happiness is contemplation
happiness an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue
happiness an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue
Aristotle believed that most people merely measure happiness by physical feeling and bodily reactions rather than virtue. Traits of virtue, like courage or confidence in the face of fear, can only be had by careful contemplation. One must know themselves to truly be happy. A person must contemplate their own motivations, passions and desires before they can be "happy".