The Nicomachean Ethics

The Nicomachean Ethics is one of Aristotle's most important philosophical works, presenting a practical inquiry into the nature of human well-being and the highest good. It addresses fundamental ethical questions such as what constitutes good character, the role of pleasure and self-control, and the foundations of right and wrong. Aristotle's exploration goes beyond theory to offer guidance on how to achieve a flourishing life through the cultivation of virtues and moral wisdom. This new Penguin Classics translation by Adam Beresford brings Aristotle's key terms into accessible English while preserving the original's direct style. The work covers a broad range of topics including friendship and love, justice, and the political context of ethics. Central to the text is the doctrine of the mean, which sees virtue as a balanced middle ground between extremes. Aristotle’s ethics remain deeply relevant, providing a framework for understanding happiness as the highest good achieved through virtuous living and community engagement.