From the psychological viewpoint, the concept of happiness could be considered as a sensual or mental state of a person identified by the display of pleasant and positive emotions. There is a range of approaches to defining the concept of happiness including biological, religious, and philosophical theories. The latter is the most complicated ones because they do not consider happiness in isolation but in relation to several important factors. In the context of Nicomachean Ethics, happiness could not be considered a mental stage, but a rational activity directed at the highest good for humans. Aristotle considers happiness to be a sort of verbal arrangement which requires a human to perform certain functions and activities which can allow for the achievement of happiness. There are several aspects within which happiness could be analyzed – intellectual contemplation, sensual enjoyment, political achievement, and pursuit of wealth. However, all of them imply certain activities which help humans achieve well-being and the highest good.
Aristotle defines happiness as the highest aim of the thought and action of humans. Specifically, the philosopher believed that happiness should be valued similarly to intelligence, courage, and wealth. Furthermore, it should be evaluated in isolation, because it is the key to human flourishing and welfare. In other words, the concept of happiness should be associated with the human’s highest good. Similar to other notions such as virtue and excellence, happiness should be presented as the primary activity which should make people active.