Epicurus and Aristotle Happiness (Term Paper Sample)

Epicurus and Aristotle Happiness
According to Epicurus theory of achieving happiness, the main goal of life is attaining happiness that emanates for the absence of both mental disturbances (ataraxia) and physical pain (aponia) (Epicurus 17). Epicurus postulates that the aim of all human action is to attain pleasure. The pleasure that human achieve from their actions is the standard of goodness; it is the beginning and end of a happy life. Epicurus contends in his theory of happiness that the expected punishment in the afterlife and fear of death are the main causes of anxiety (Epicurus 21). The anxiety is the source and cause of irrational decisions. The fear of death, which is one of the irrational dangers, is the most preeminent negative state of mind. Happiness and pleasure direct the cause of human reasons and actions. To achieve happiness, humans require calm of the soul, state of tranquility, health of the mind and body, and freedom from pain.
The view of happiness is different from one person to another as demonstrated by Epicurus and Aristotle. For instance, Aristotle does not mention the fear of death as a factor of unhappiness. In fact, he mentions that only the dead have attains the true state of happiness. Aristotle further contends that happiness is a mere state, like honor and virtue as opposed to Epicurus view that it is achievement of pleasure (Libel 205). Epicurus, moreover, implies is his thoughts that human beings have the power to achieve their happiness by making choices that brings pleasure. In contrast, Aristotle believes that happiness comes from God is beyond humans’ control. Because it is the most important thing in human’s life, it has to be God-given.
I believe with Epicurus that the fear of pain and death, and the punishment in the afterlife affects a human’s happiness because people make most decision to avoid pain and such fears (Libel 172). Because the dead do not feel and neither do they have the physical body that feels pleasure, it is unreasonable to argue that only the dead have attained the true state of happiness and Aristotle contends. Aristotle objection that happiness is God-given and beyond human control is valid because most of the forces that bring happiness are influenced by other people and situations beyond individual control, for instance, love and compassion. Aristotle is more reasonable to contend that happiness is a mere state like honor and virtue, and depends on nature and circumstances that surround people. Some people achieve that happy state from the actions and works of their parents and good “neighbors.” If I had to modify Epicurus theory of happiness, I would consider that true happiness is attainable through the state of interdependence where benevolent and charitable actions results in a better world that eventually reflects to the lives of everyone. True happiness would be achieved from attempts of making the world a better place for humanity.