Abstract

The paper seeks to understand happiness in Aristotle’s and Buddha’s thought. This is not to argue about which of them has the best or greatest teaching on how to attain happiness. The research problems are the following: Is there a differences on the notion of happiness between Aristotle and Buddha? What are the approaches in attaining happiness? What is the end of happiness for both of them? What is the origin of happiness as conceived by them? And Is the Golden Mean the same as or different with Middle Path of Buddha. The paper also seeks to identify the possible similarities and differences in the ways on how to attain happiness. The framework to be used is the discourses on happiness by Eastern philosophy of Gautama Buddha specifically on The Four Noble Truths The Eightfold Path, anatta, and anicca and the Western philosophy of Aristotle. Rather than using traditional philosophical method I used comparative study. The methodology to be used is comparative analysis in order to identify relationships on the notion, approaches and discipline on how to attain happiness. Similarities and differences from distinct traditions are to be discussed.