Introduction to Aristotle’s Ethics: How to Lead a Good Life

The purpose of the Nicomachean Ethics is to teach one how to become good. Aristotle begins this task with the claim that every voluntary human activity “seems to aim at some good.” He proceeds to arrange the goods in a hierarchy that points to the highest good — happiness.

In Book I of the Politics, Aristotle writes that “man alone among the animals has speech.” This unique faculty leads to man’s concern for the good and enables him to form political communities — which exist for the sake of living well.

In Book I of the Ethics, Aristotle explains that there is much dispute about the nature of happiness, which many people consider to be a life of pleasure, wealth, or honor. Aristotle examines these popular opinions as he works toward the true definition of happiness.

Character comes from the Greek word that means to etch or engrave. In Book II of the Ethics, Aristotle explains that good character is formed by consistently making right choices.

Choices are made in the face of changing and often complicated circumstances. In Book III of the Ethics, Aristotle explains the process by which choices are made, which involves deliberating about the best way to achieve a desired end.

Aristotle begins his examination of the moral virtues with courage. The courageous person possesses the right disposition toward pain, and displays the virtue most vividly by beautiful actions in war.

In Book V of the Ethics, Aristotle examines justice—the most public virtue—which concerns giving to each what is owed. While justice includes the merely transactional, at its peak justice requires all the moral virtues.

Practical judgment, or prudence, is the intellectual virtue necessary for choosing well. The prudent person observes and comprehends circumstances and makes the best choice to achieve a desired and worthy end.

Aristotle describes three types of friendship. The most common types are based on utility or pleasure. The highest and rarest type is a friendship of virtue, which is shared between two excellent people in pursuit of the beautiful.

In Book X of the Ethics, Aristotle identifies contemplation as the highest human activity. The Ethics concludes by pointing to the need for good laws, or good government, to encourage and protect this activity of the soul.