Function Argument in Aristotle's Ethics

Happiness and the Human Good

Inbunden, Engelska, 2025

Av Jakub Jirsa, Czech Republic) Jirsa, Jakub (Charles University

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Jakub Jirsa provides the first book-length study of the “function argument”, outlining its central importance for Aristotle’s ethics and his understanding of happiness and living well. The Function Argument in Aristotle’s Ethics gives a systematic account of the development of the function argument from Plato’s Republic to the Nicomachean Ethics, with an explication of the interdependence between different versions of the argument which appear in Aristotle's ethical writings. In careful close readings of Aristotle’s Proptrepticus, the Eudemian Ethics and the Nicomachean Ethics, Jirsa makes the case that the function (ergon) argument – that the function of human beings is virtuous activity of the rational part of the soul – serves as a transition from formal to substantial ethical debate and helps to differentiate between happiness and the happy life. The book then evaluates Aristotle’s function argument against contemporary critiques.With English translations of sections of the Proptrepticus based on the recent reconstruction from ancient sources and fragments, this volume offers a novel context for understanding a key element of Aristotle’s ethical works, and is an ideal reference for those studying Aristotelian ethics, virtue ethics and the history of philosophy.

Produktinformation

Utgivningsdatum2025-10-16
Mått156 x 236 x 20 mm
Vikt1 020 g
FormatInbunden
SpråkEngelska
Antal sidor240
FörlagBloomsbury Publishing PLC
ISBN9781350511750

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This is the first book-length treatment of the so-called ergon argument that makes part of the classical philosophers’ attempt to ground ethics in human nature. As such the argument has attracted the attention of contemporary philosophers, especially the founders of virtue ethics. Jirsa examines closely all passages where the ergon argument occurs, at the end of Republic I and in Aristotle’s ethical treatises, the Protrepticus, the Eudemian Ethics, and the Nicomachean Ethics I. The book aims to show that the ergon argument crucially refers to the activity of the soul and regarding Aristotle in particular it sets out to show how the ergon argument connects to the eudaimonia, arguing that the latter amounts ultimately to contemplation (theoria). This is a philosophically sophisticated, clearly written book that contains much that is original, even intriguing. It is essential reading for both scholars of ancient philosophy as well as for virtue ethicists.