Of Aristotle's works, few have had as lasting an influence on subsequent Western thought as The Nicomachean Ethics. In it, he argues that happiness consists in “activity of the soul in accordance with virtue,” defining “virtue” as both moral (courage, generosity, and justice) and intellectual (knowledge, wisdom, and insight). Aristotle also discusses the nature of practical reasoning, the different forms of friendship, and the relationship between individual virtue and the state. Featuring a lucid translation, a new introduction, updated suggestions for further reading, and a chronology of Aristotle's life and works, this is the authoritative edition of a seminal intellectual masterpiece.

Author Biography: Aristotle (384–322 b.c.) studied under Plato at the Academy and later established his school, the Lyceum, which attracted a large number of scholars.

Jonathan Barnes is professor of ancient philosophy at the University of Geneva. He translated and edited the Penguin Classics edition of Early Greek Philosophy.

J. A. K. Thomson was professor emeritus of classics at King's College, London, until his death in 1959.

Hugh Tredennick was professor of classics at Royal Holloway College and Dean of the Faculty of Arts at London University.

Aristotle deduced that happiness derives from the activity of the soul in accordance with virtue. Supreme happiness, according to this ancient Greek, is found only in philosophical meditation, but a secondary happiness is available in living a virtuous life. 8 cassettes.