Politicians, the experts in happiness?

On 1094b Aristotle makes a case for politics being the science responsible for studying the supreme good. Do you think that his definition of politics is different from present day? Why?

He says political science should determine what is taught in schools? Do you think this wise? Is it currently being done with an eye to the ultimate good or happiness? 

One could argue that if the supreme good is happiness, should not those with political power be experts in the best way to achieve this ultimate good. Should these political expert in the absolute good not guide all other sciences to ensure they aim at achieving absolute good. Aristotle suggests that the good or happiness of the community is more important than the happiness and good of the individual. Agree, disagree? 

Could both the community and the individual have the same goal of happiness and absolute good if everyone were instructed through philosophy in what the true and reasonable good is?

If there is an absolute good would it not be the same for both individual and community? 

If this was true would not society achieve the greatest happiness and harmony? 

What is the problem with our current systems that prevent us from attaining this harmony in society? 

How can things be improved so that we all move toward real happiness and not the shadow of happiness that most embrace? 

Are there any countries on earth that are getting close to this kind of harmony?

Aiming at the End or a Good?

Book 1 - 1094a to 1094b

Aristotle says:

"Every rational activity aims at some end or good. One end/activity may be subordinated to another.

Do you agree? Is it better to ensure that all your subordinated activities that lead to an ultimate good, be just and good in themselves? Why or why not?

Practical application of this knowledge:

Here is an exercise. Write down one of your daily activities and then work backward to determine the ultimate reason why you do it. For example if you exercise every day. Ask why? To stay in shape, look healthy and socialize? Here you can go in three different directions so you pick "to stay in shape".  Why stay in shape? It gives you more energy, prevents injuries, releases natural endorphins, gives you more confidence in your abilities, etc. Now you pick “more energy”. Why desire  more energy? To be able to accomplish more like interacting with your family and children leading to happiness, the end good. 

Note that when you do the above analysis on your selected activity,  is it not happiness that lies at the end of your analysis? Is not happiness the most important good in all our goods that we seek since it is the main reason we do anything? Please enter your results from your own version of the above exercise and comment, we would love to see what you come up with.

Do this for all your daily activities to see which ones lead to happiness and for the ones that do not lead to happiness perhaps you should stop doing those activities.

Introduction:

The Nicomachean Ethics is Aristotle`s best known book on ethics.The work consists of ten books based on notes from his lectures at the Lyceum.

The theme of the book is a guide on how men and women can become and remain good and hence live the best life. The learning's are practical and can be used in our everyday lives.

Please pick up a copy of the Nicomachean Ethics and follow along with this blog, please make comments, post questions and add your thoughts so that everyone can benefit from a wide rage of perspectives and continue living the good life.

For some basic background on the book see attached link.Wikipedia Nicomachean Ethics

"The wise person will be happy in the highest degree"

Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics 1779a30