Nicomachean Ethics and Eudemian Ethics

By: Aristotle

Narrated by: Andrew Cullum

Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics and Eudemian Ethics represent, in many ways, the Western classical springboard for the systematic study and implementation of ethics, the optimum behaviour of the individual. (By contrast, Aristotle’s Politics concerns the optimum blueprint for the city-state.) It is in the hands of each individual, he argues in these books on personal ethics, to develop a character which bases a life on virtue, with positive but moderate habits.

The Nicomachean Ethics, the primary work (the title is said to come from his son Nicomachus and is generally regarded as having been essentially notes for lectures), is divided into 10 books. It opens with a statement on who should study ethics and why and that the pursuance of moral virtue leads to happiness. Courage, temperance, magnanimity, honesty and friendship are among the many qualities considered. Aristotle also outlines some of the obstacles to developing virtue. Throughout, the emphasis is placed on the practical advantages of developing positive ethics – this is practical philosophy.

The Eudemian Ethics (named after a pupil of Aristotle, Eudemus of Rhodes) is a shorter work, and in fact its chapters four, five and six are identical to chapters five, six and seven in the Nicomachean Ethics. (They are not replicated in this recording of the Eudemian Ethics.) It is now widely felt by scholars that this work preceded the Nicomachean Ethics and therefore offers Aristotle’s earlier thoughts on the subject. Despite the similarities, the Eudemian Ethics contains other material (the virtue of ‘mildness’ appears) and places different emphases or expansions in certain areas; for example, it offers a particularly detailed consideration of the key concepts of virtue, wisdom and pleasure.

In both these important books, the characteristically clear and systematic manner with which Aristotle deals with the whole question of ethics makes an audio recording especially accessible. The works are read with a persuasive clarity by Andrew Cullum.

Nicomachean Ethics translation: W D Ross.

Eudemian Ethics translation: H. Rackham.

Public Domain (P)2018 Ukemi Productions Ltd

Awesome

Amazing work of philosophy and expertly performed. It felt as if I was in the same room as Aristotle, listening to his ideas in person.

Excellent

While this was no story, his treatment and delivery of this material was superb and clean as fitting.

Swing and a Miss

Some books lend themselves to audio book form. This is not such a book. Aristotle's calculated, mathematical proof way thoroughness in argument cements this work as a slow read meant for books only. Plato's Republic would 've a better bet with its conversational rather than lecturer style.

Amazing book that deals with Virtue

This is a must read in my opinion and if you can’t find the time to read it then listening to it is the way to go. This book you need to pay attention a little more to get the points he is making but rewind every now and then takes care of that.

I think every Man should read this book since I believe man has walked away from virtue in our time period.

Beyond tedious!

I have read much of Aristotle’s work but the idea that ALL writing can be presented and enjoyed as an audio performance is madness. This performance, as well as the content, in audio format was utterly unbearable! Good God — I barely lasted for 5 minutes. Skip this if you value your mental health and well-being.