The Nicomachean Ethics Genre

Philosophy

It can't be anything else, y'all. This is Aristotle we're talking about: the guy who was known simply as "The Philosopher." He's kind of a big deal.

But what does it mean, exactly, to say that we're reading a work of Aristotelian philosophy? In Ethics, Aristotle's trying to create a comprehensive system of practical thought about how we live together harmoniously and to the advantage of all. (Or, at least, to the advantage of many).

Though Aristotle gets theoretical at times, he's really interested in creating a practical way to think about our purpose as moral creatures…and about how to achieve the highest human goods. He's in it to win it; he's not getting all philosophical just to alienate people and sound smart.

At the center of Mr. A's ramblings is understanding what it means to be (a good) human, and what behaving well to one another entails. In other words: can we all just get along? And if not, why?

And that is about as philosophical—and, frankly, as generous and awesome—as you can get.