Frank Hesketh Peters

The Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle

Aristotle

Previously published as Ethics, Aristotle's The Nicomachean Ethics addresses the question of how to live well, and originates the concept of cultivating a virtuous character as the basis of his ethical system. This Penguin Classics edition is translated from the Greek by J.A.K. Thomson with revisions and notes by Hugh Tredennick, and an introduction and bibliography by Jonathan Barnes. 'One swallow does not make a summer; neither does one day. Similarly neither can one day, or a brief space of time, make a man blessed and happy' In The Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle sets out to examine the nature of happiness. He argues that happiness consists in 'activity of the soul in accordance with virtue', for example with moral virtues, such as courage, generosity and justice, and intellectual virtues, such as knowledge, wisdom and insight. The Ethics also discusses the nature of practical reasoning, the value and the objects of pleasure, the different forms of friendship, and the relationship between individual virtue, society and the State. Aristotle's work has had a profound and lasting influence on all subsequent Western thought about ethical matters. Aristotle (384-22 BC) studied at the Academy of Plato for 20 years and then established his own school and research institute, 'The Lyceum'. His writings, which were of extraordinary range, profoundly affected the whole course of ancient and medieval philosophy and are still eagerly studied and debated by philosophers today. If you enjoyed The Nicomachean Ethics, you might like Plato's The Symposium, also available in Penguin Classics.

The Nicomachean Ethics

Júlia Pedroso

Christian Bager Bach Houmann

The Adam Beresford translation is rather accessible: it’s both easy to read and has helpful notes. 

This book was interesting. I particularly appreciate the practical approach that Aristotle takes and advocates for. 

Some parts were too exhaustive to me. Others were hard to put away. Especially the first few “books” and latter half of the final one.

A somewhat interesting measure of this book’s success is how often I was unsurprised at the arguments, or otherwise thought “well, of course!”

Aristotle's "Nicomachean Ethics" is a foundational work in moral philosophy, exploring the nature of virtue, happiness, and the good life. Through careful analysis and observation, Aristotle argues that virtue lies in finding the mean between extremes and that true happiness is achieved through the cultivation of virtuous character. His insights into human flourishing continue to be influential in contemporary discussions of ethics.

Lars M

The ethics of Aristotle.

sophie <3

Libby G

Presents Aristotle's celebrated work setting forth his system of moral philosophy.

Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics

Donald

Review of edition: Clear translation, helpful notes, decent price, and binding held up okay. What more do you want?

Lark

atlantisli

Taylor Lapeyre

This translation seeks to make Aristotle's terse and concentrated Greek fairly intelligible to those who read him in English. Those who want to read through the Ethics to grasp the main outlines of Aristotle's position need a translation that can be understood without detailed explanations.

The Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle

Reviews

Highlights