NE, Book 10

Ch. 7: Highest kind of Happiness is the Theoretical Life

Ch. 9: From Ethics to Politics
Book 10, Chapter 7:
Highest kind of Happiness is achieved in the Theoretical Life
Theoretical
Reason is the supreme element in us and therefore the exercise of reason is the highest goal to strive for.
A life dedicated to the perfection of reason is the life of study. It is a life dedicated to the pursuit of
knowledge for its own sake. A life dedicated to pursuing knowledge for its own sake is called the
theoretical life.* The pursuit of theoretical knowledge perfects what Aristotle calls the virtues of thought
(or the intellectual virtues).
*The term theoretical derives from theoria (to behold or to contemplate). This is why we say that a
life dedicated to theoretical knowledge is dedicated to beholding or contemplating of truth for its own
sake.
Oftentimes, theoretical knowledge is directed towards knowing the highest kinds of beings that exist.
These beings cannot be controlled, manipulated, or changed by human thought or action. All we can do
with our knowledge of these beings is to behold or contemplate them.
Examples of what theoretical knowledge studies: (1) the existence of the universe, (2) the
existence of God, (3) mathematical principles, (4) metaphysical principles.

Practical
In contrast to the virtues of thought, the virtues of character are directed toward the practical
knowledge where we can control (to a large extent) the objects of our study. This is why Aristotle says
that practical knowledge is geared toward human actions that can control, manipulate, or change either
our own character or our surroundings.
Examples of what practical knowledge studies: (1) technology, (2) forming our character.

Since the virtues of character involve a life of action, such a life dedicated to them is perfected and
completed by the theoretical life (a life of study). In other words, though it is good that a person strives to
shape her character and to do right actions, it is even better when she is able to reflect upon the highest
truths that exist. **
**Aristotle is not putting down the virtues of character. He is saying that pursuing knowledge of the
highest things (i.e., the theoretical knowledge) is even nobler.

Book 10, Ch. 9:

From Ethics to Politics.
The politician seeks to bring happiness to the people of a city by introducing them to virtue by means of
establishing just laws. When people habituate themselves to live in accord with these laws, many of them
will become inclined to living just lives. There will be some who will not, however and these people
will be punished. Others, who might not be inclined to live in accord with just laws but at the same time
do not break them, will hopefully become habituated to virtue.