Aristotle's Integration of "Good" Into Politics

Aristotle makes an interesting claim in his Nicomachean Ethics, which I couldn't help but question while writing my Preparatory Exercise. He says, "the good of man must be the end of the science of Politics." (7) At first glance, these words impress the idea that politics cannot co-exist with the innately good. Does that then mean that political science is an innately "bad" craft? This does not quite make sense to me, considering the focus of the argument. However, he then goes on to talk about how the state is infinitely more important a good to be preserved than the good of the individual. Now I think he means to convey that the independent good, the selfish good, even, is not conducive to political science. Yes, the idea of a selfish good does seem rather contradictory, but Aristotle is separating the different types of "good" and their aims.

Although he does not come out and say this, I think that maybe the entire notion of "good" isn't necessarily a pure thing, like it is established nowadays. If it were a truly elevated, angelic form of good Aristotle were speaking of, I don't think the good of man would need to be sacrificed for the higher good of the state (7). Because the goodness of man should ultimately benefit the state, as each citizen relates one with the other. This notion of necessity separating the two makes me believe the good is directly related to some sort of consequence. Or rather, he is implying the notion that all acts are inspired by selfish motivation. And this "good" derives from selfish acts that have bred good things. And Aristotle is saying that every man striving for these good consequences for himself is not conducive to cultivating the state. Instead, man should focus on producing good consequences for the state, as a cohesive unit.

I realize Aristotle's intention may seem a bit ambiguous, which is why I think it necessary to point to his take on happiness. He pronounces the attainment of some "good" to be the chief aim of politics, the highest aim. This aim establishes the idea of a "good life," which is said to establish happiness. (11) So ultimately, this "good" politics apparently must have in order to thrive is the foundation of the citizen's happiness, and therefore proof of an intensely selfish motivation. The deduction is that a good act aimed at bettering the state is performed with selfish intent and with the assurance of some ultimate payback.