Aristotle: On Happiness

Great Books Reading Group

March 10, 2022

On Happiness: Aristotle

Adult Great Book Program, First Series, Volume 1, 1985

Discussion Questions

1. Why does Aristotle say that “politics” is the most important of our ends/goals? What does he mean by “politics”?

2. Why does he say that a young man cannot be a good student of politics? Do you agree?

3. What does Aristotle mean by “happiness”? How does his definition compare with others’? What does he see as the problem with how others define happiness?

4. He talks about three types of life: life of enjoyment, political life, and the contemplative life. What are the pros and cons of each of these types?

5. What is the “proper function” of man, according to Aristotle? Do you agree or not? Why or why not?

6. Can a person be “happy” during his/her lifetime?

7. What does someone have to do to achieve happiness?

8. What are the impediments that people face in pursuing happiness? What does Aristotle say we should do when we face these impediments?

9. Can you “choose” to be happy?

10. What would Aristotle think of the “instant gratification” that, some would say, characterizes our modern culture?

11. Can the happiness of dead people be impacted by the living?

BONUS QUESTION!

12. Was Jacob in “Rothschild’s Fiddle” happy? What about Rothschild? Anyone else?