Aristotelian ethics

Lore & Background

Three ethical treatises survive: Nicomachean Ethics (10 books, most widely read), Eudemian Ethics, and Magna Moralia. Their exact origins are unclear, though they were considered Aristotle's works in ancient times. Textual oddities suggest they may not have been put in their current form by Aristotle himself. The Nicomachean Ethics is traditionally associated with Aristotle's son Nicomachus, while the Eudemian Ethics is linked to his disciple Eudemus. Aristotle's Politics is often regarded as a sequel to the Ethics, as the Nicomachean Ethics closes by saying the ethical inquiry lays groundwork for political questions.

Reader's Guide

Aristotelian ethics is significant for its focus on practical wisdom (phronesis) rather than mere theoretical knowledge. Aristotle emphasized that virtue is practical—the purpose of ethics is to become good, not merely to know. The right course of action depends on the details of a particular situation, not just applying a law. This character-based approach contrasts with later ethical theories. Aristotle's analysis uses his metaphysical theory of potentiality and actuality, defining eudaimonia as an actuality and virtues as stable dispositions developed through habituation. Despite the importance of practical decision-making, the original Aristotelian and Socratic answer to how best to live was, if possible, to live the life of philosophy. The Nicomachean Ethics has received the most scholarly attention and is the most easily available to modern readers.

Did You Know?

• Aristotle first used the term 'ethics' to name a field of study developed by Socrates and Plato.
• The Nicomachean Ethics and Eudemian Ethics share Books IV–VI of the EE appearing as Books V–VII of the NE.
• Aristotle's father was also named Nicomachus, and his son was the next leader of the Lyceum.
• Aristotle's Politics is often regarded as the sequel to the Ethics.