Human Nature and Human Society in the Nicomachean Ethics

This book reviews Aristotle’s theories regarding the pursuit of virtue in individuals and in society in the Nicomachean Ethics and how the aspiration towards right action of individuals has an interactive and beneficial impact on the community as a whole. Scholars do not agree on where the name for the Nicomachean Ethics comes from. Both Aristotle’s father and his son were named Nicomachus so it is possible that the book is dedicated to either one. Other scholars suggest that Aristotle’s son may have edited the book after Aristotle died so that the title “Nicomachean” may refer to this particular edition of Aristotle’s ethical works. Happiness is the highest good and the end at which all our activities ultimately aim. All our activities aim at some end though most of these ends are the means toward other ends. For example we go grocery shopping to buy food but buying food is itself a means toward the end of eating well and thriftily. Eating well and thriftily is also not an end in itself but a means to other ends. Only happiness is an end in itself so it is the ultimate end at which all our activities aim.