Practices of Reason: Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics / Edition 1

by C. D. C. Reeve

Overview

This book is an exploration of the epistemological, metaphysical, and psychological foundations of the Nicomachean Ethics. In a striking reversal of current orthodoxy, Reeve argues that scientific knowledge (episteme) is possible in ethics, that dialectic and understanding (nous) play essentially the same role in ethics as in an Aristotelian science, and that the distinctive role of practical wisdom (phronesis) is to use the knowledge of universals provided by science, dialectic, and understanding so as to best promote happiness (eudaimonia) in particular circumstances and to ensure a happy life. Turning to happiness itself, Reeves develops a new account of Aristotle's views on ends and functions, exposing their twofold nature. He argues that the activation of theoretical wisdom is primary happiness, and that the activation of practical wisdom—when it is for the sake of primary happiness—is happiness of a secondary kind. He concludes with an account of the virtues of character, external goods, and friends, and their place in the happy life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198235651
Publisher:	Oxford University Press, USA
Publication date:	04/28/1995
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 5.50(h) x 0.60(d)

Editorial Reviews

"An important and compelling interpretation of Aristotle's conception of ethical reasoning....An absolute must for any collection in ancient philosophy."—Choice

"Excellent in many respects. Reeve is an exceptionally clear and concise writer and a formidable dialectician who marshalls his arguments very well indeed....[The book] would serve well as a comprehensive introduction, for the experienced student, to Aristotle's thought via the Ethics—arguably the best way to bring students to this most difficult of ancient philosophers....Reeve is a vigorous, exciting writer who makes one want to know more about Aristotle. So the book is not just for students, I recommend it to all Aristotle scholars."—Bryn Mawr Classical Review

"Ambitious and excellent book....Reeve...advances some original and provocative claims that deserve the attention of those working on Aristotle's ethics....This is...a fine and important book and its original claims will surely provoke further discussion. Specialization in studies of the Nicomachean Ethics has now reached so high a level that it threatens to turn us away from trying to understand the work as a whole. Reeve here provides a valuable service by keeping the entire work at the center of his vision."—The Philosophical Review

"Reeve's new book will be hailed by scholars and prove welcome to senior undergraduates in classics and to graduates in philosophy who also face a major examination on the Nicomachean Ethics. Much praise is due. We certainly congratulate Professor Reeve on a striking and distinguished contribution to Aristotelian studies."—Review of Metaphysics

"This book is well worth reading for Reeve frequently offers insightful readings of vexing passages in the NE.—American Catholic Philosophical Quarterly

From the Publisher