Aristotle's Function Argument

The Function Argument

Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics aims to find the supreme good, or “the highest end of human life” (Lec. Slide W02.2), which he calls eudaimonia. In order to achieve eudaimonia Aristotle argues that one must first find one’s function, what he calls ergon. This later became known as the function argument. This paper will explain eudaimonia, Aristotle’s function argument and its importance in achieving eudaimonia. I will then discuss one objection to the function argument referenced in Christine M. Korsgaard’s paper “Aristotle’s Function Argument”. She offers this objection by questioning Aristotle’s claim that the human function can be only one of three things. Aristotle argues that every human activity aims at a good,

something made for a specific purpose) or from nature has a specific ergon, or function. For example, the function of a lamp is to provide light, and for a plant to live. So, a good lamp, would be one that provides light well. Something is considered good, then, by how well it performs its function. But who is to say that, like plants, living is not a human function as well? Aristotle addresses this issue. He claims that if humans are different from, say, plants, then they must also have a differing function from plants. If deities are purely rational beings and animals are driven by instinct and emotion, humans share both these things and land in between the two. This makes humans distinct from other beings. Aristotle recognizes these shared traits and names the human soul in two parts: the non-rational, and the rational, which performs a “special function” (N.E. 1.7 1097a35) unique from plants and animals. The rational side of the soul – one that expresses reason which distinguishes humans from animals – is deemed higher than the non-rational. So, the human function is to express reason. More importantly, humans must express reason well, which involves managing the non-rational side. Aristotle states that, “For in the continent and the incontinent person we praise their reason, i.e. the of the soul that has reason, because it exhorts them correctly and towards what is best;