Page:Ferrier Works vol 2 1888 LECTURES IN GREEK PHILOSOPHY.pdf/461

406 which we have already gone over. First, What is the main purpose of ethical, or, as Aristotle frequently calls it, political science? Answer, To ascertain the chief and ultimate end of human action, and to point out the means of its attainment. Second question, What is the chief and ultimate end of human action? Answer, Human happiness. This raises the third question, What is human happiness? Answer: In order to reply to this question, we must ascertain what is the proper work or function of a man: for the happiness of any being must be intimately connected with the function which it has to discharge. What, then, is the function or proper work of a man? A conscious and active and rational life of the soul, or, more shortly, living reasonably, is the proper work of a man. Out of this definition arises the answer to our third question. That third question was, What is human happiness? And the answer as now obtained is, Human happiness is living reasonably in the best and noblest manner ( is Aristotle's expression), and in agreeable circumstances, for the happiness or well-being of every creature must consist in doing well that which is its proper work or vocation. This answer instantly raises the fourth question, But what is the best and noblest manner of living reasonably? Answer, By so regulating our moral nature, which is made up of reason and the passions, that reason shall govern and passion obey; in other words, by so regulating our moral nature as to develop the virtues: for the