Table of contentsVirtue: the path to happinessMoral virtues and justiceIntellectual virtues and the role of prudenceFriendship and self-esteem: essential elements of a good lifeConclusionReferencesAristotle, one of history's greatest philosophers, embarked on a quest to understand the ultimate human good, which he unequivocally identified as happiness. In his ethical exploration, Aristotle outlines the complex relationship between virtue, voluntary actions, justice, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness. This essay on how to achieve happiness delves into Aristotle's philosophical journey, dissecting his ethical framework that encompasses virtue as a means to achieving happiness, the role of voluntary actions in morality, and the various facets of justice , friendship and self-love in the world. pursuit of the greater good. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayVirtue: The Path to HappinessAristotle firmly believed that the highest human good, happiness, could be achieved through the cultivation of virtue. Virtue, according to Aristotle, is not simply an activity but a disposition rooted in behaving rightly for the right reasons. It’s about taking pleasure in acting virtuously. Virtue, however, presents itself as an intermediate state between the extremes of excess and deficit, a balance specific to each individual. It is this balance that propels individuals towards the path to happiness, because it is in virtuous actions that true fulfillment is found. Voluntary actions, those that originate from the agent's will rather than from external forces, provide the basis for moral praise or blame. These actions are marked by rational deliberation and conscious choices that correspond to desirable ends. Aristotle emphasizes that voluntary actions are the area in which individuals demonstrate virtue and shape their moral character. Voluntariness, characterized by the agent's deliberation and choice, constitutes the basis of moral evaluation. Moral Virtues and Justice Aristotle's ethical framework encompasses a tapestry of moral virtues and their corresponding vices. These virtues include courage, temperance, liberality, magnificence, magnanimity, good ambition, patience, kindness, sincerity, wit and modesty. Each virtue occupies a unique place on the spectrum of human character and moral excellence, fostering the development of a well-rounded individual. Justice, in Aristotle's ethical paradigm, occupies a primordial position, encompassing all other virtues in its embrace. Justice manifests itself in two main forms: distributive and corrective. Distributive justice concerns the equitable distribution of wealth and honor within a group on the basis of merit. Corrective justice, for its part, governs exchanges between individuals, always aiming to restore balance and equality. Aristotle recognizes the complexity of human affairs, recognizing that situations can arise in which agreed-upon fairness trumps legal restrictions. Intellectual Virtues and the Role of Prudence While moral virtues guide individuals in ethical conduct, intellectual virtues are also essential in shaping ethical reasoning. Aristotle identifies five intellectual virtues, including scientific knowledge, intuition, wisdom, art or technical skill, and prudence. These virtues collectively enable individuals to navigate the complexities of ethical dilemmas and practical questions, ensuring that their moral compass remains.