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It is in this Nicomachean Ethics that Aristotle lays out the interconnectedness of ethics and happiness. The Nicomachean Ethics emphasizes the difference between Pre-Socratic ethics and the ethics as discussed by Plato: Pre-Socratic ethics are purely theoretical and only allows people to see ethics in the light of imagination. Ethics, as explained by Plato, is practical – teaching people how to live the best life. It focuses not just on how to live a best life but on how to create one. So how does moral virtue lead to happiness? Virtue is simply a behaviour showing high standards such as integrity, kindness, righteousness, and compassion among others. Aristotle claims that there is only one highest aim, and that is “happiness”. Happiness is a work of human beings and Aristotle believes that workings connected to the soul are better in bringing good than workings associated with the body (Bostock 124). In other words, it is when we do something that touches our soul that brings more happiness. Virtue is an abstract thing. As we manifest virtue, the gain is not manifested physically but only within the realms of your imagination and deepest feelings. For instance, when you address to the needs of the sickly person by giving him nourishing food and medicine, the gain does not impact you physically but it brings your innermost soul some sense of happiness. Another example would be when you choose to return the money you saw on the hallway instead of keeping it for yourself give you some sense of responsibility and concern for others. Virtue or behaviour manifesting higher standards allows you to gain things that are not physical or temporary but it gives you long-lasting happiness.

Work Cited

Bostock, David. Aristotle’s Ethics. New York: Oxford University Press, 2000. Print.