What is the Meaning of 'Good' in Book I of the 'Nicomachean Ethics'?

• Authors: Skowronski L.
• Languages of publication: PL

Abstracts

EN

The article argues that 'good' (agathon) is not a primary concept in Book I of the 'Nicomachean Ethics' (EN). The analysis of chapters 1, 2 and 7 shows that 'good' is founded on the concept of 'end' (telos). In chapter 7, Aristotle introduces a concept of 'function' (ergon), which he also uses as a foundation for 'good'. The article argues against the interpretation of 'the good' implied by Danuta Gromska's translation, presents possible solutions for the charge that Aristotle commits a fallacy in the first sentence of NE and follows the development of the definition of 'the good' through its increasingly richer expositions. It closes with a note on the dangers of the misguided expectations of the contemporary reader as to the Aristotelian treatise entitled 'Ethics'.

Keywords

EN

'THE GOOD' - INTERPRETATION; ARISTOTLE; ULTIMATE END

Discipline

• PHILOSOPHY: PHILOSOPHY

• Publisher: Polska Akademia Nauk
• Journal: Przegląd Filozoficzny. Nowa Seria
• Year: 2007
• Volume: 16
• Issue: 1(61)
• Pages: 67-82
• Document type: ARTICLE

Contributors

author

Skowronski L.

• L. Skowronski, Instytut Filozofii i Socjologii PAN, ul. Nowy Swiat 72, 00-330 Warszawa, Poland

Identifiers

CEJSH db identifier

08PLAAAA03827649