Aristotelica: Studies on the Text of Aristotle's Eudemian Ethics

Aristotle's Eudemian Ethics is now considered the better-known Nicomachean Ethics, with many scholars claiming it borrows Books V-VII from it. Studies on the Text of Aristotle's Eudemian Ethics is a companion volume to the critical edition, explaining the principles and providing information about the Greek manuscripts. An appendix presents full datasets for the four primary manuscripts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Aristotle's Eudemian Ethics, once considered a lesser-known counterpart to the renowned Nicomachean Ethics, has recently gained newfound attention and recognition. This shift in perspective has led to a compelling argument among scholars, supported by robust statistical evidence, suggesting that the Eudemian Ethics may have borrowed its Books V-VII from the Nicomachean Ethics.

In order to provide a comprehensive understanding of Aristotle's Eudemian Ethics, Studies on the Text of Aristotle's Eudemian Ethics serves as a companion volume to the critical edition of Aristotle's Ethica Evdemia in the Oxford Classical Text series. This companion text delves into the principles of the critical edition, offering detailed justifications for individual readings while providing valuable information about the Greek manuscripts. An appendix presents comprehensive datasets for the four primary manuscripts, shedding light on their relationships, the unique characteristics of the three copyists involved, and the common errors typically found in these manuscripts.

The Eudemian Ethics, written by Aristotle in the fourth century BCE, has historically been overshadowed by its more famous predecessor. However, recent scholarship has shed new light on this work, highlighting its significance and originality. The Eudemian Ethics focuses on the nature of virtue and the role it plays in achieving eudaimonia, or human flourishing. Aristotle distinguishes between two types of virtue: moral virtue, which is concerned with the right actions and intentions, and intellectual virtue, which is concerned with the right beliefs and knowledge.

One of the key themes in the Eudemian Ethics is the importance of habituation in developing virtuous character. Aristotle argues that habits are the foundation of moral character and that repeated practice and repetition are necessary for the cultivation of virtuous habits. He also emphasizes the role of pleasure and pain in shaping moral behavior, suggesting that individuals should seek out activities that bring them pleasure and avoid those that bring them pain.

Another important aspect of the Eudemian Ethics is the concept of the mean, or the golden mean. Aristotle defines the mean as the middle point between two extremes, where one finds the greatest balance and harmony. He argues that the mean is the path to virtue and that individuals should strive to live their lives in accordance with this principle.

The Eudemian Ethics also explores the relationship between virtue and happiness, suggesting that happiness is the ultimate goal of human life and that virtue is the means to achieve it. Aristotle argues that happiness is not merely a subjective experience but is also a state of well-being that is achieved through the cultivation of virtuous character and the pursuit of excellence.

In conclusion, Aristotle's Eudemian Ethics is a valuable and important work that has been overlooked for centuries. Recent scholarship has shed new light on this text, highlighting its significance and originality. The Eudemian Ethics offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of virtue, habituation, pleasure, pain, the mean, and the relationship between virtue and happiness. By exploring these themes, Aristotle provides a valuable contribution to the field of ethics and offers insights that are still relevant to contemporary discussions about moral behavior and human flourishing.

Weight: 464g
Dimension: 147 x 223 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192873552