In Aristotle's philosophy, happiness is linked to fulfilling human function. What is that function?

• A. Rationality
• B. Physical strength
• C. Wealth
• D. Social status

Answer: (A)

Aristotle ties happiness to the function that is unique to humans: the activity of the rational part of the soul. In his view, what we do with our capacity to reason—deliberating, choosing well, and acting in accordance with virtue—constitutes a good life. When this rational activity is exercised virtuously over a complete life, it expresses who we truly are and leads to happiness (eudaimonia). External goods like wealth, physical strength, or social status can help or accompany a good life, but they don’t define what it means to fulfill our human function. So the function is rationality—the guided, virtuous activity of reason.