Nic. Ethics I

"Every art and every inquiry, and likewise every action and choice, seems to aim at some good..." (1094a); however, there is no such thing as the common or universal good. As rational beings, we all aim at what we consider good for ourselves and find ourselves basing the "good" on one of three things: enjoyment, honor, or knowledge. But at what does is this good? Why do we so avidly seek what is good? Good is our rationality that makes us distinct from animals or plants...but it's more than that. It's acting out that rationality in "accordance with virtue" (1098a16-17). For many of this, this equates to happiness: our end-all-be-all. That is for which the good aims.

Happiness. Virtuous. For many, these words are synonymous and the way we judge a person and their life. The ones who, in the face of misfortune, persevere without loosing their original virtuous disposition are considered, after their death, to have lead a "happy life." The entire picture of their life is taken into consideration when we judge them; however, while the image of the deceased may be altered by their descendants, there isn't, in the end, any affect on the soul that has gone on. The descendants may neglect pieces of the soul's life and focus solely on a year or a specific period of time during life. The two are completely separate and, I feel, have no effect on one another.