An Examination of the Aristotelian Functionalist Approach to the Concept of Eudaimonia

This paper focuses on Aristotle’s functionalist approach to the analysis of human happiness. Within this framework, Aristotle defines virtue as “the best state of realizing the specific function of a human being,” namely, rational activity. By examining the reciprocal relationship between reason and desire in Aristotle’s ethical theory, the study concludes that genuine human happiness is achieved only when the rational part of the soul and the non-rational yet reason-obedient part (i.e., rational desire or bouleusis) operate in systematic harmony. Within this structure, rational choice (prohairesis) serves as the connecting link between intellect and desire, playing a central role in the generation of virtuous action. The function of reason in the domain of practical wisdom lies in attaining practical truth_ the concord of sound rational judgment with right desire _through proper deliberation and motivation. Virtue, therefore, is a stable disposition of the soul through which a person performs their function in the best possible manner and thereby attains happiness. By explicating the key concepts of Aristotelian moral philosophy and analytically examining the interrelation among reason, desire, action, and virtue, this paper demonstrates how human beings can achieve happiness through rational activity in accordance with virtue. The research employs an analytical–descriptive method and draws primarily on Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics along with contemporary interpretations.

کلیدواژه ها:

Aristotle ، Aristotelian Functionalism ، Eudaimonia ، moral virtue ، Practical rationality ، Rational Desire (Bouleisis)