The Comparative Study of the Ideas of Happiness Between Confucius and Aristotle
Abstract: Both Confucius and Aristotle thought that happiness tallies with the nature of human beings. Pursuing happiness and avoiding bitter has been the universal phenomenon of humanity. While probing into the ideas of happiness has became the key link to distinguish humanity as to achieve morality. Confucius emphasized more on inner transcendence of the benevolence. However, Aristotle put more attention to the external fulfillment of perfection of morality. Confucius's happiness finally aimed at the implement of virtue and the unity of heaven and man while Aristotle's idea of happiness aimed at the pondering and contemplation of intellectual virtue and speculation. Their ideas upon happiness and morality are quite influential with enlightenment and reference meaning so far.
Keywords: Confucius; Aristotle; the Ideas of Happiness; Morality