The Nicomachean Ethics

by Aristotle
The Nicomachean Ethics cover
Good Books rating 4.19
Philosophy
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  • ID: 258
  • Added: 2025-09-06
  • Updated: 2025-11-01
  • ISBN: 9781853264610
  • Publisher: Wordsworth Editions
  • Published: 1996-01-01
  • Formats: 162
  • Reviews: 4

The Nicomachean Ethics is a foundational work by Aristotle that delves into the principles of ethics and the pursuit of happiness. It examines the virtues that lead to a fulfilling life and the role of reason and moral character in achieving eudaimonia, or human flourishing. /n/n This influential text has shaped philosophical thought for centuries, offering profound reflections on friendship, justice, and the good life. It remains a crucial read for anyone interested in the philosophical underpinnings of ethics and the human condition.

Reviews
timtalkspolitics.com · Unknown · 2025-09-20
enlightening 4.50

The Nicomachean Ethics is a profound exploration of virtue and happiness, offering timeless insights into human behavior and moral philosophy. It challenges readers to reflect on their own actions and the pursuit of eudaimonia.

The Nicomachean Ethics delves deeply into the nature of virtue and the pursuit of happiness, or eudaimonia. Aristotle's work is both intellectually stimulating and practically applicable, providing a framework for understanding moral behavior and personal growth. The book's exploration of concepts like courage, temperance, and justice is particularly enlightening, offering readers a way to evaluate their own lives and decisions. While some may find the language and structure challenging, the insights gained are well worth the effort. Overall, it's a book that encourages self-reflection and a deeper understanding of what it means to live a good life.

Quick quotes

    Aristotle's work is a profound exploration of virtue and happiness.

    The book's insights into human behavior and moral philosophy are timeless.

    It challenges readers to reflect on their own actions and the pursuit of eudaimonia.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-01-01
informative 4.00

The review discusses C. D. C. Reeve's new translation of Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, highlighting his extensive use of internal references to Aristotle's other works as a substitute for detailed commentary. Reeve's approach is characterized by a universalist reading of ethics and politics, emphasizing the role of legislative science in creating universal laws to promote virtuous conduct. The review also notes the strengths and weaknesses of Reeve's notes and index compared to previous translations, particularly Terence Irwin's.

The review provides an in-depth analysis of C. D. C. Reeve's new translation of Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics. Reeve's translation is noted for its consistent application of Trendelenburg's dictum, relying heavily on other texts by Aristotle to interpret the Nicomachean Ethics. This approach is contrasted with Terence Irwin's previous translation, which includes more extensive commentary and analysis. Reeve's introduction presents a universalist reading of ethics and politics, emphasizing the role of legislative science in creating universal laws to promote virtuous conduct. The review also discusses the strengths and weaknesses of Reeve's notes and index, which are extensive but lack the analytical depth found in Irwin's translation. The index, while comprehensive, does not distinguish between different uses of key terms as effectively as Irwin's glossary. The review concludes by comparing the accessibility of Reeve's translation to other versions, noting that while it is close to the original Greek, it may be less accessible to those without Greek language knowledge.

Quick quotes

    Reeve's new translation of the Nicomachean Ethics is most succinctly characterized as applying Trendelenburg's dictum to this work with a relentless consistency.

    Reeve has chosen, in contrast with Irwin, to argue for his own interpretation in a lengthy introduction that incorporates a good deal of the claims he has defended in recent years in two books on Aristotle's ethics published by Harvard University Press.

    The best way to illustrate the differences between various translations is to exhibit selected portions and compare them, not just to the Greek original but also to each other as to diction, ease of comprehension and so on.

IGC Publishing · 2024-10-31
Useful 4.75

Aristotle's core idea of virtue as the mean between two vices is considered insightful and useful for ethical behavior.

The reviewer finds Aristotle's core idea that virtue is the mean between two vices to be the most insightful and useful standard of ethical behavior for humanity. This concept is seen as a foundational principle that can guide moral decision-making. The reviewer appreciates the clarity and practicality of Aristotle's approach, making it a valuable resource for understanding and applying ethical principles in daily life.

Quick quotes

    Aristotle's core idea – virtue is the mean between two vices – is the most insightful.

    The most useful standard of ethical behavior we as humanity have.

    Aristotle's approach to ethics is both insightful and practical.

Word on Fire · 2017-08-28
challenging 3.50

The book is considered a compilation of class notes, which affects its readability. Despite this, it is seen as a foundational work in ethical philosophy.

The reviewer notes that the book is not well-written, likely because it is a collection of Aristotle's lecture notes. They suggest that this affects the book's readability and coherence. However, they also acknowledge that the book's content is profound and foundational in the field of ethical philosophy. The reviewer appreciates the depth of Aristotle's insights, even if the presentation is not as polished as one might hope. Overall, the book is seen as a challenging but rewarding read, essential for anyone interested in ethics.

Quick quotes

    First, it's not a well-written book.

    Scholars believe that Nicomachean Ethics is basically a compilation of class notes from Aristotle's lectures.

    The book's content is profound and foundational in the field of ethical philosophy.

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