The Nicomachean Ethics Summary of Key Ideas and Review - Aristotle
The book is one of Aristotle’s most well-known works, and it focuses on the nature of ethics and moral behavior.
In the book, Aristotle discusses various ethical theories and concepts, including the nature of happiness and the good life, the role of virtue in achieving happiness, and the importance of reason in making moral decisions.
He also examines the nature of moral character and the concept of the “golden mean,” or the balance between excess and deficiency in moral behavior. Overall, the book provides a comprehensive overview of Aristotle’s ethical thought and remains a foundational text in the field of ethics to this day.
Idea 1: Eudaimonia is more than happiness
In Aristotle’s philosophy, the term “eudaimonia” is often translated as “happiness,” but it is a distinct concept from the ordinary understanding of happiness. Eudaimonia is a state of well-being and flourishing, achieved by living in accordance with reason and virtue. It is the highest good and the ultimate goal of human life, according to Aristotle.
In contrast to the ordinary understanding of happiness, which is often fleeting and dependent on external circumstances, eudaimonia is a more enduring state of well-being that is based on the fulfillment of one’s potential and the development of virtuous character.
It is achieved through the pursuit of virtue and excellence, and it requires a person to use their rational capacities to think and act in a way that is in accordance with reason.
So, while happiness may be a part of eudaimonia, it is not the same thing. Eudaimonia is a more holistic concept that encompasses not just happiness, but also other aspects of well-being, such as virtue and excellence. It is a state of flourishing that is achieved through the pursuit of virtue and the development of one’s character.
Idea 2: Arete (The most complete version of oneself)
In Aristotle’s philosophy, “aretē” is a term that is often translated as “excellence” or “virtue.” It refers to the quality of being the best or most complete version of oneself, in accordance with reason and virtue.
Arete is a central concept in Aristotle’s ethics, as he believed that it is through the pursuit of arete that a person can achieve eudaimonia, or flourishing and well-being.
Arete is not a fixed trait or characteristic, but rather a state of excellence that is achieved through the cultivation of virtue. It requires a person to develop their character and to act in accordance with reason, in pursuit of the good life.
Aristotle believed that arete is a lifelong pursuit, and that it is only through continued effort and the development of virtuous habits that a person can achieve true excellence and fulfill their potential.
It is possible to achieve eudaimonia, or flourishing and well-being, in a lifetime. However, it is not something that can be attained easily or quickly. It requires a lifelong commitment to the pursuit of virtue and excellence, and it requires a person to continually strive to become the best version of themselves.
Idea 3: Magnanimous
In Aristotle’s philosophy, the term “magnanimous” refers to a person who possesses a particular virtue known as “megalopsuchia.” This virtue is often translated as “magnanimity” or “great-souledness,” and it refers to a person’s ability to think and act in a way that is befitting of their worth and status.
A magnanimous person is someone who is generous, noble, and honorable, and who is not overly concerned with things of little value or importance. They are confident in their abilities and worth, and they do not seek to gain the admiration or approval of others.
Instead, they act in a way that is consistent with their own sense of self-worth and dignity.
For Aristotle, the virtue of magnanimity is an important component of arete, or excellence. A person who is magnanimous is able to think and act in a way that is befitting of their worth and status, and this allows them to fulfill their potential and achieve eudaimonia, or flourishing and well-being.
Idea 4: The doctrine of the mean
The doctrine of the mean is a concept in Aristotle’s philosophy that refers to the idea that virtue is found in the middle ground between two extremes.
Aristotle believed that every virtue is a mean, or balance, between two extremes of excess and deficiency. For example, the virtue of courage is the mean between the extremes of cowardice and recklessness.
The doctrine of the mean is an important aspect of Aristotle’s ethics, as it provides a framework for understanding how to live a virtuous life.
According to this doctrine, a person should aim to avoid both excess and deficiency in their actions and behavior, and instead strive for the middle ground of virtue.
This requires the use of reason and practical wisdom to determine the appropriate mean in any given situation.
In Aristotle’s view, the doctrine of the mean is an essential aspect of achieving eudaimonia, or flourishing and well-being. By avoiding excess and deficiency and striving for the mean, a person can live a life that is in accordance with reason and virtue, and therefore achieve true happiness and fulfillment.
Idea 5: The Olympic Games
In Aristotle’s philosophy, the concept of the Olympic Games would likely be seen as an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate and cultivate their virtues.
For Aristotle, the ultimate goal of human life is eudaimonia, or flourishing and well-being, and he believed that this is achieved through the pursuit of arete, or excellence.
Therefore, in Aristotle’s view, winning the Olympic Games would involve not just physical prowess and skill, but also the development of virtues such as courage, determination, and self-discipline.
A person who wins the Olympic Games would be one who has not only trained their body to perform at the highest level, but who has also cultivated their character and their virtues in order to become the best version of themselves.
To win the Olympic Games, therefore, a person would need to dedicate themselves to the pursuit of virtue and excellence, and to continually strive to improve and develop their character.
This would involve training and conditioning their body, but also engaging in activities that foster the development of virtues such as courage, determination, and self-discipline.
In this way, they would be able to achieve the ultimate goal of eudaimonia, or flourishing and well-being, through their pursuit of excellence.
Who is the book “The Nicomachean Ethics” by Aristotle recommended for?
The Nicomachean Ethics is a philosophical treatise written by Aristotle. As such, it is recommended for anyone with an interest in philosophy, ethics, and the nature of moral behavior. The book offers a comprehensive overview of Aristotle’s ethical thought, and it provides a detailed examination of various ethical theories and concepts.
The Nicomachean Ethics is not an easy read, and it is best suited for readers who have some background in philosophy and are comfortable with abstract concepts.
However, even for those who are new to philosophy, the book can provide a valuable introduction to some of Aristotle’s key ideas and can offer a deeper understanding of the nature of ethics and moral behavior.
Overall, The Nicomachean Ethics is recommended for anyone who is interested in the study of ethics and who wants to learn more about Aristotle’s philosophy.
About the author
Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and scientist who was born in Stagira in 384 BCE. He was a student of Plato and later became the tutor of Alexander the Great. Aristotle’s philosophy was deeply influential, and his ideas continue to shape many fields, including ethics, metaphysics, and politics.
Aristotle was a versatile thinker who made significant contributions to many areas of philosophy and science. He wrote extensively on topics such as logic, metaphysics, ethics, politics, and natural science, and his works continue to be studied and discussed to this day.
In his ethics, Aristotle developed the concept of eudaimonia, or flourishing and well-being, and argued that it is only through the pursuit of virtue and excellence that a person can achieve this state.
His politics, meanwhile, explored the nature of justice and the ideal form of government, and his metaphysics investigated the fundamental principles of reality.
Aristotle’s philosophy had a profound impact on the development of Western thought, and his ideas continue to be relevant and influential to this day.