Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle | Book 1

Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics explained with book summaries in just a few minutes

Course Hero Literature Instructor Russell Jaffe provides an in-depth summary and analysis of Book 1 of Aristotle's philosophical text Nicomachean Ethics.

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Everyone wants to do the right thing. But how do they know what’s right? Philosophical giant Aristotle prescribes in his Nicomachean Ethics a path for virtuous and happy human existence.

The formula laid out in this philosophical treatise suggests a tension between reason, pleasure, wisdom, and action. Navigating these complexities requires an understanding of how such qualities lead toward virtuous behavior, which results in true happiness.

Mediating these human impulses through rational thought and consideration is integral to the approach proposed by Aristotle. Virtue is often a balancing act—engaging in pleasure while avoiding dissipation or being brave while avoiding foolish risk.

Only by deliberating over the advantages of an action and its possible detrimental effects can a person determine the proper balance of self-interest and fairness to others.

Famous Greek philosopher Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics was written c.335-325 BCE. The Nicomachean Ethics connects virtue to political science and shows Aristotle's diverse love of wisdom. Generally considered the most important ethical treatise in the Western philosophical tradition, it has influenced centuries of political philosophy and gives enduring advice for seekers of happiness.

The philosophical treatise contains many important ideas, including wisdom as happiness, as true happiness comes through study, understanding, and contemplation; the importance of friendship and political community, as just societies encourage strong personal relationships; the golden mean of virtue, as people should aim for moderate qualities of character; and humans’ ethical responsibilities, as humans are accountable for the way they treat others. Key arguments include humans' need reason, cities' need for justice, and that pleasure is to be obtained through moderation.

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