Aristotle's Ethics / Edition 1

by James O. Urmson

Overview

Aristotle's ethical writings are among the world's greatest, but are easily misunderstood by the inexperienced. Professor Urmson, after 50 years of study, provides a clear account of the main doctrines in an easily intelligible way and without dwelling on matters of mainly scholarly interest.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780631159469
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	01/08/1991
Pages:	140
Sales rank:	771,525
Product dimensions:	5.53(w) x 8.52(h) x 0.41(d)

About the Author

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

Table of Contents

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

Editorial Reviews

‘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

From the Publisher