The Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle - Classic Translation

In this review the focus is on Sir David Ross's translation of The Nicomachean Ethics, a text for readers who want a clear, academically minded rendering of Aristotle's central ethical work. The edition is best for students, instructors and thoughtful general readers looking for a translation that omits heavily technical textual notes while retaining helpful commentary and an accessible new introduction. The bottom line: this edition balances readability and philosophical usefulness, making Aristotle's arguments about virtue and the good life easier to follow without losing essential context.

Key Features

• Readable translation: Ross's wording clarifies Aristotle's arguments so that readers can follow the discussion of virtue, character and practical reasoning with fewer barriers.
• Concise editorial notes: Notes of primarily textual importance are omitted, leaving only commentary that helps illuminate philosophical points for a wider audience.
• New introduction: The translator's new introduction frames the work for modern readers and summarizes historical and philosophical significance.
• Adapted index: The index has been adapted for this edition, improving the ability to locate themes, terms and passages relevant to study or teaching.
• Focused selection: The edition emphasizes the Nicomachean Ethics as the primary ethical treatise commonly referenced in the history of philosophy.

Who It's For

This edition is ideal for undergraduate and graduate students who need a reliable translation that supports classroom discussion without the distraction of excessive textual apparatus. Instructors who want a teachable text with a helpful introduction and relevant notes will also find it practical for assigned reading.

General readers with an interest in classical philosophy or the history of ethics will appreciate the clarity and editorial choices, but those seeking exhaustive textual criticism or a heavily annotated scholarly commentary should look to editions that retain full critical apparatus and variant readings.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Translation provides clear language that makes Aristotle's concepts approachable to contemporary readers.
• Editorial choices emphasize philosophical interest, helping readers focus on ethical arguments rather than textual minutiae.
• The new introduction and adapted index aid comprehension and navigation for study and reference.

Cons

• Less suitable for scholars who require comprehensive textual notes and variant readings for philological work.

Specifications

Title	The Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle
Translator / Editor	Sir David Ross
Edition notes	New introduction by the translator; adapted index
Notes	Omitted primarily textual notes; retained notes of philosophical interest
Subject	Philosophy, Ethics, Classics
Intended audience	Students, instructors, general readers

Our Verdict

Sir David Ross's edition of The Nicomachean Ethics is a strong choice for readers seeking a clear, thoughtfully edited translation that highlights philosophical substance over textual minutiae. It offers good value for students and teachers who need an accessible, well-framed text for discussion and study, though specialists seeking exhaustive critical notes should consult more heavily annotated scholarly editions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition include an introduction?
Yes, it contains a new introduction by Sir David Ross that situates the work and summarizes its significance.

Are textual notes included?
Notes of primarily textual importance have been omitted; only notes of general philosophical interest remain.

Who is this translation aimed at?
It is aimed at students, instructors and general readers who want a clear translation useful for study and class discussion.