Aristotle on Practical Wisdom: <i>Nicomachean Ethics</i> VI
Aristotle's concept of practical wisdom--focally explored in book VI of theNicomachean Ethics--has inspired some of the most brilliant work of the past half-century in moral psychology and ethics.Reeveprovides an admirably clear and incisive chapter-by-chapter translation and analysis of and commentary on the whole of this complex book--the first full such study in over a hundred years.Aristotle on Practical Wisdomis an indispensable tool for Aristotelians of all stripes in pondering and assessing what Aristotle actuallysaysandmeansin his discussion not only of practical wisdom but also its twin, wisdom in understanding matters of scientific and philosophical theory. (John M. Cooper, Princeton University)In this work as elsewhere,Reeveadds a distinctive, nuanced voice to the contemporary study of Aristotle. A supporting companion to his excellentAction, Contemplation, and Happiness, the present volume offers a fluent translation ofNicomachean EthicsVI, together with an informative, authoritative introduction and a philosophically alert commentary. One finds in these pages an original engagement with a great work, one that will in the first instance command the attention of students of Aristotle but also, more broadly, of all philosophers concerned with problems of practical reasoning. (Christopher Shields, University of Oxford)InNicomachean EthicsVI, Aristotle seeks to elucidate his primary topic, practical wisdom, by contrasting it with craft knowledge, scientific knowledge, and theoretical wisdom, and by relating it to the virtues of character. Since these states of the psyche can hardly be understood without understanding a large swath of Aristotle's philosophy, the commentator's job is particularly challenging.David Reeveshows himself to be well up to the task. His beautiful new translation of the text has the fluidity, grace, and accuracy of his translations of Plato'sRepublicand Aristotle'sPolitics, and his far-ranging commentary on the text displays an encyclopedic knowledge of Aristotle. With its companion volume,Action, Contemplation, and Happiness, this is a welcome addition to the ongoing study of Aristotle's ethical philosophy and of his philosophy as a whole. (David Keyt, University of Washington)Aristotle on Practical Wisdomis a masterful combination ofReeve's philosophical acumen and prowess as a translator. It is hard to think of any commentary on an ancient text, let alone a single book within a text, so rich with ideas and so devoted to line-by-line analysis. Like its companion publication,Action, Contemplation, and Happiness, Reeve shows how full appreciation of Aristotle'sEthicsrequires the reader to engage with Aristotle's biology, psychology, epistemology, and metaphysics. Anyone interested in Aristotle will want this book on their shelf. (Allan Silverman, The Ohio State University)Reeve's translation, analysis, and commentary on Aristotle'sNicomachean EthicsVI will be of great value to scholars and students alike. The translation is clear, elegant, and thoughtful. The analysis brings out the essential points, and the commentary is superb. Reeveis so thoroughly steeped in Aristotle's work that his commentary manages to be both deep and accessible to a beginner. This is Aristotle's most difficult writing on an important topic in ethics; it deserves this splendid treatment. (Paul Woodruff, University of Texas at Austin)