Ethics | Aristotle

This book is one of the most important works Aristotle left us and has been studied by scholars in both the East and the West. In it, Aristotle appears closer to a scientist than a philosopher. His views on ethics are entirely derived from observing practical life in Greece, and from what people do, praise, and condemn in terms of virtues and vices. Nevertheless, it did not lack an "ideal" — the highest aspiration of the mind and imagination. Aristotle summarized the essence of his ethical theories in this book, which serves as an "intellectual, ethical, and political testament," condensing his ethical, social, and political views. He sought to answer the question that occupies everyone: How can I achieve happiness, which, in his view, is the ultimate goal of human life? He discussed the meaning of happiness, virtue, pleasure, love, and friendship, and the difference between them. In his research, he adhered to a method of observation, analysis of reality, and did not delve into idealistic theories, nor did he wander into the realm of intelligibles as his predecessors, Socrates and Plato, had done. The book "Ethics" is divided into ten chapters: the first discusses the supreme good and happiness; the second, virtue; the third, the remainder of the theory of virtue and moderation; the fourth analyzes various virtues; the fifth revolves around justice; the sixth covers intellectual virtues; the seventh examines excess (immoderation) and pleasure; the eighth and ninth deal with friendship; and the tenth and final chapter sees Aristotle return to discussing pleasure and true happiness derived from a life of contemplation.