The reviewer finds Aristotle's works insightful and useful, particularly the Nicomachean Ethics, which they consider a valuable reconstruction of human ethical life. They also appreciate the Poetics for understanding Greek Tragedy and the Physics/Metaphysics for their historical significance in religion and science. However, they find Aristotle's works harder to read than Plato's due to his focus on semantics and less engaging topics.
The reviewer highly recommends Aristotle's works, especially the Nicomachean Ethics, which they find to be one of the most insightful and useful reconstructions of human ethical life. The Poetics are praised for providing an exceptional understanding of Greek Tragedy, while the Physics and Metaphysics are noted for their importance in the history of religion and science. The reviewer appreciates the methodological insights Aristotle develops, despite his mistakes. However, they find Aristotle's works more challenging to read compared to Plato's, as Aristotle often delves into semantics and addresses topics that are less engaging. The reviewer acknowledges the paradoxical nature of Aristotle's influence, which has both hindered and advanced scientific and social progress.
Quick quotes
The Nicomachean Ethics are probably the most insightful and useful reconstruction of human ethical life that has been written.
The Poetics are an exceptional source for an understanding of Greek Tragedy.
Aristotle's Physics/Metaphysics are vital for anyone interested in the history of Religion and science, both because of his mistakes and because of the methodological insights he develops.