The Nicomachean Ethics (Oxford World's Classics)

Everything is fine,I like the book.

Aristotle is one of my favorite philosophers, so it goes without saying that his Nicomachean Ethics are one of my favorite pieces of philosophical literature. For anyone interested in philosophy, specifically an overview of how to live ethically, this is a great introductory book to read. The book touches on happiness, pleasure, justice, virtue, and friendship. I have read this piece before, but this is the first time reading the Oxford Classics translation which is pretty palatable. However, since it is a piece of Aristotle one shouldn't expect to be able to quickly run through this. This book is best enjoyed taking your time, reading each chapter (or "Book") one at a time at your own pace. (If it helps, use a secondary source while reading if particular parts seem confusing).

The Nichomachean Ethics is Aristotle's comprehensive deductive/logical treatise concerning the ends for which we should live. Within, we find encounter stimulating and relevant discussions about everything from pleasure to happiness; and whereas Plato/Socrates generally sought to expose the contradictions of men's views about such concepts and leave the audience bewildered (or so is my view of it), Aristotle in the very beginning clarifies that he writing to an audience of experienced men who are actually capable of grasping the meaning of these things, and he actually seeks to teach us something. As a result, Aristotle's concise work here is much more valuable for a normal person than virtually anything Plato has written. For the normal person can take up the Ethics and have a pretty good idea about what he should live for: happiness via noble contemplation and also moderation in all things. I personally value this work as utterly essential to who I am and was happy to revisit it in this Oxford World Classics version. I choose to buy this because: 1. It's a fairly recent translation, and I always prefer more modern translations (except where they are "trendy") 2. Oxford World Classics editions are usually authoritative (totally applicable here, where there are far more endnotes than I would ever care for that correspond to generally 4 areas per page) 3. Oxford World Classics editions are sturdy. The binding and the pages themselves feel more substantial than Penguin editions (even if Penguins are more physically attractive), and none of my Oxford World Classics are yellowing, which is crucial for building out a library (Penguins can yellow but may not always). I believe this book should be required reading for anyone interested not only in ethics but also their application in achieving a life well lived.

I teach philosophy, and I've used this edition with my intro students for many years. It's readable, it's accurate, and the notes are generally excellent. But my students have to get a physical copy as I don't allow electronics in my classroom. And getting physical copies out of OUP has become increasingly difficult recently. My university's bookstore has had this and a variety of other OUP titles on order for several months now with no estimated delivery date, and it seems even Amazon can't get any in. It's really disappointing that Oxford University Press is making it so difficult to order their books.

Highly recommended. This is the best translation of The Nicomachaen Ethics I have encountered so far. Easy to read and the translations feel very accurate when compared to others. Like many great books, it ruins the opening with an introduction. The introduction in this case was actually quite useful, but would have been better suited for the middle of the book, or perhaps the end. Nothing ruins a good book faster than an introduction; a problem which seems to be a plague of the bookselling industry. The book also contains a useful outline at the beginning, which I liked and found very helpful. Thumbs up!

great

Upon reading, it was clear that to have a chance to correctly understand the "lessons" requires an understanding of the culture, norms, and slang of the age. Probably the same as someone from the U.K. going to Australia separated by a few hundred years. Both groups speak English but still have issues communicating.

Everyone should read this. Aristotle is brilliant and so logical. He writes the way I think, which is much appreciated. Some wish his books were more of a story, like Plato writes, but I appreciate the simplicity and the straightforwardness of Aristotles thoughts and ideas.