About this title: Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, based on lectures that he gave in Athens in the fourth century BCE, is one of the most significant works in moral philosophy, and has profoundly influenced the whole course of subsequent philosophical endeavour. It is soundly located within a philosophical tradition, but its argument differs markedly from those of Plato and Socrates in its emphasis on the exercise - as opposed to the mere possession - of virtue as the key to human happiness, offering seminal discussions of ethical issues that are practical in their intent. Topics covered include the role of ...
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Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Date Published: 2000-04-13
ISBN-13:9780521635462ISBN:0521635462
Description: Good. All books in Acceptable-Good condition. Books may NOT include Online Access Codes (InfoTrac, MyEconLab). Books MAY contain highliting/bent pages. We ship M-F. read more
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Date Published: 2000
ISBN-13:9780521635462ISBN:0521635462
Description: BRAND NEW PAPERBACK. 9.02 by.75 inches. (258 pages) an accessible new translation of one of the most significant works in moral philosophy. this accessible new translation of one of the most significant works in moral philosophy follows the greek text closely and also provides a non-greek-reader with the flavour of the original. the volume also includes a historical and philosophical introduction and notes on further reading. this accessible new translation of one of the most significant works ... read more
"Aristotle's Ethics is an incredibly pragmatic view of how one should live their lives and explaining how he came to these conclusions. A good deal of this is all about being of a "mean" disposition- basically, on average, you should fit his categories, which are means of extreme conditions.
Shockingly, Aristotle (occupation: philosopher)comes to the conclusion the contemplative life is the best and happiest condition. His discussion of the role of politics is interesting, when considered in comparison to other Greeks, such as Socrates (argues for an impossible best-city in speech, is an aesthetic), Plato (writes dialogues, but also founds the Academy, not as much of an aesthetic), and Aristotle (writes The Politics, wrote a Constitution for Athens, personal tutor to Alexander the Great).
Very glad I took the time to work my way through this!"
"You can't really argue with Aristotle's logic; he's completely rational, and if that's what you're looking for, then Nicomachean Ethics is a good fit. Of course, as with many logical texts, it's not exactly a captivating page turner, but it is sensical. Sort of. Some of the premises are a little wacky, but when put into the context of the maths and sciences of ancient Greece, Aristotle is pretty spot-on.
Aristotle (or perhaps the translation, because I've never read the original) does have a gift for simplicity; the arguments are broken down into clear clauses, every conclusion follows flawlessly from its tenets (although these tenets may not hold up in modern sensibility, they certainly would have been more logical in their originality), and Aristotle links everything together using clear, concise language. The glossary of terms is certainly helpful for words that have slightly different connotations now than when it was originally written; this combined with the conciseness of the writing makes for an easy, albeit somewhat boring, read."
"Aristotle's work is certainly first class philosophy (at least by the simplistic definition philosophy is just thinking hard and carefully about things.) I found the more the subject moved towards the particulars, where observation and experience are helpful, the more I agreed. But as Aristotle moved to more abstract concepts I found myself disagreeing - showing how important it is to get your foundations correct. And, as in Plato's Republic I noticed the same sort of self-serving arguments leading us to believe the Philosopher is the most noble and happy. Written near the end of the third century BC, it's amazing how analytical and contemporary it reads. Just another book to support my view we have evolved technologically but devolved in most other areas."
"A surprisingly easy read. Also, like many philosophical works, it is split into reasonably small sections, making it easier and quicker to read.
Some of his ideas make sense. The notion of becoming more virtuous by practicing virtue is obvious but sometimes the obvious needs pointing out. A lot of his theories beg the questions of who actually gets decide on what these virtues are though. Who decides what is virtuous and what is not? Aristotle? Extremely convenient for him if it is!"
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