Philosophy Aristotle: The Nicomachean Ethics, v.1, 20 March 2008.

[Patricia]

Translated by W D Ross, Clarendon Press (Oxford) 1908.

Aristotle’s main work on ethics. What is the function of a human being? To live a life in accordance with the virtues. (Virtues are character traits that allow a person to flourish and lead a fulfilling life.) Virtues are not innate, but are acquired through practice and habituation. Many virtues exist on a mean between two vices: courage is a virtue. But an excess is rashness and a deficiency, cowardice.

Friendship is also discussed.

PS The severest penalties apply to anyone who spells the title as ‘Nichomachean.’ The work was either edited by, or dedicated to Aristotle’s son, Nicomachus.