Nicomachean Ethics

What is happiness? How does virtue contribute to or detract from happiness?

Throughout the work, Aristotle emphasizes balance. Why does balance play such a key role in Aristotle’s understanding of happiness and goodness? How might balance contribute to other philosophical concepts?

How might Aristotle’s philosophies have been influenced by the cultural and historical context of his period? What virtues would he emphasize if he were alive today? What vices would he select? How does context contribute to thought?

How do relationships influence happiness and goodness? What types of relationships are the most enriching and direct individuals toward happiness? What types of relationships distract from the aim of happiness?

Aristotle poses many questions throughout Nicomachean Ethics. Each book begins with a series of questions that he attempts to answer, although there are some that he leaves unresolved. Take one of these questions and explore it further. For example, in Book 9, Aristotle asks why humans need friends. Attempt to answer this question.

How does inquiry play a role in Aristotle’s work and in the fields of philosophy and science? How can inquiry enrich the life of the individual?

Discuss equality and balance in Aristotle’s work. How are his views on equality similar to or different from modern perspectives?

What influences from previous philosophers can be found in Aristotle’s work? How does his study of ethics align with and diverge from the ideas presented by Plato and Socrates?