This is an exploration of Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle through an Epicurean lens. The Aristotle translations used are by Martin Ostwald (1962, Liberal Arts Press) and the Perseus Project’s H. Rackham translation (1934, Harvard University Press). The Greek used is also that at the Perseus Project (J. Bywater). I’m also including Bekker page numbers for those interested. The Bekker system used to reference the works of Aristotle uses a three-part system like 1449b26 where 1449b is the page number (there are both a and b pages) and the second part is the section number.
I think it’s important to put Aristotle and Epicurus into context with each other. Aristotle was born in 384 BCE in Northern Greece and died 322 BCE in his early 60s. Epicurus was born 341 BCE in Samos (as an Athenian citizen) and died 270 BCE in his early 70s. So, Aristotle died when Epicurus was around 20 years old. In fact, Norman DeWitt says, in Epicurus and His Philosophy, that Epicurus would have been participating in his compulsory military service in Athens when Aristotle died in Euboea in Central Greece. Aristotle’s reputation was already established by the time Epicurus was even born, but it’s interesting to think of Aristotle as a “recently deceased celebrity of sorts” when the young Epicurus was just beginning to formulate philosophical solutions to life's problems.
Let's continue to Commentary for Book 1 >