Aristotle's Ethics

J. O. Urmson is Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at Stanford University and Emeritus Fellow of Corpus Christi College, Oxford.

• Preface. References.Introduction.1. The Ideal Life: a Preliminary Discussion.2. Excellence of Character.3. Action and its Motives.4. Responsibility and Choice.5. Particular Excellences of Character.6. The Excellences of Intelligence.7. Strength and Weakness of Will.8. Pleasure.9. Social Relationships.10. Eudaemonia.Further Reading.Index

‘This is an excellent book; the best introduction to Aristotle’s Ethics that I know of. It is beautifully written, with very well chosen modern examples illustrating various aspects of Aristotle’s thought. Urmson succeeds in what one sees very rarely nowadays in philosophy; to reach the university student or interested layperson who wants an introduction to Aristotelian ethics, to provide food for thought for the Aristotle specialist, and to present material that will challenge the contemporary moral philosopher. This book should not only help us understand Aristotle better, but should also have salutary impact on contemporary systematic moral philosophy.’ – Julius Moravcsik, Stanford University‘This book will be an excellent introduction to Aristotle’s Ethics. It is written in a clear and lively style. It brings out the main philosophical issues, and discusses them in an interesting and illuminating way. As an introduction to Aristotle’s ideas about ethics it could not be bettered.’ -- John Ackrill, Brasenose College, Oxford