Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics (eBook)

Aristotle (384–322 BCE) remains one of the most influential philosophers and polymaths in the history of Western thought. A pupil of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great, Aristotle's contributions span across various fields including metaphysics, ethics, logic, politics, and natural science. His corpus of writings encapsulates a comprehensive system of knowledge that underpins much of subsequent Western intellectual history. In the realm of ethical philosophy, one of Aristotle's most significant works is the 'Nicomachean Ethics,' an exploration of the nature of the good life and moral virtue. Unlike his mentor Plato, who emphasized the realm of forms, Aristotle grounded his ethics in the practicalities of human existence, advocating for a virtue ethics based on moderation and balance, famously encapsulated in his doctrine of the 'Golden Mean.' Through this work, he profoundly influenced later moral philosophy, contributing a significant body of work that has been studied, revered, and debated by scholars for centuries. Aristotle's style is characterized by systematic rigor and thoroughness; his writings display a relentless pursuit of categorization and a precise use of definitions to explore complex philosophical ideas. Although only a fraction of Aristotle's written work survives, the available texts have provided an intellectual foundation for many fields, guiding thinkers, scholars, and practitioners alike through the ages.