Abstract

Grice discusses happiness as an end, and its relation to other ends, as it would feature in practical reasoning. He begins by analysing Aristotle's claims towards the self‐sufficiency and finality of happiness as an end, and defends the thesis that happiness is an ‘inclusive end’, consisting of the realization of various other ends that are desirable for their own sakes as well as for the sake of happiness. Grice then briefly discusses the possibility that the components of happiness may not be certain universals or states of affairs but the desires for such universals or states of affairs. He ends with the suggestion that happiness can be characterized as a system of ends that is suitable for the guidance of life, and hence must be marked by features that are conducive to its stability and flexibility.