Intro to Aristotle's Ethics | Lecture 1: The Good

Lecture Overview:
The purpose of the Nicomachean Ethics is to teach one how to become good. Aristotle begins this task with the claim that every voluntary human activity “seems to aim at some good.” He proceeds to arrange the goods in a hierarchy that points to the highest good — happiness.

Course Overview:
In the Nicomachean Ethics—the first book written on the subject of how best to live—Aristotle argues that human happiness chiefly depends upon a person’s character, which is formed by making good choices. This course examines Aristotle’s teachings about human nature, the meaning of the good, and the virtues necessary for happiness. Students will not only learn what Aristotle says about the good life, but will also explore ways to put this knowledge to work.

[edabreu]

My children (teens) have conversations like this at the dinner table. If more of us participated with our children on these levels, imagine how the world of the future may turn into.

[JayneTheory]

"...whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things." - Philippians 4:8

[Gonzomedic]

I hope these young people appreciate this time in their lives! What a blessing!

[minjael]

"Beautiful is the highest form of good" an answer I never thought I needed.

[TheWolfgangfritz]

Once I started to study Oriental philosophy, tactics and strategy I came across Myamoto Musashi's Book of Five Rings, and on the back cover it said: "when Musashi speaks Wallstreet listens!" That scared me! No more Mr. NICEGUY! We are moving towards a cold hard, heartless way of doing business and interaction among ourselves. If we don't teach character building along the lines of Aristotle and then the Judeo-Christian style where trust and honor, fairness and mercy is shown then all we are left is cold blooded pragmatism!

[NYCThrax]

As a lifelong student of Aristotle in my native Hellenic language -and my only mentor in philosophy- I could attest that the American youth are surely missing logic and critical thinking by not being taught Aristotle.
Cancel culture is anathema to humanity!
KUDOS to Hillsdale for educating the youth!!!

[pjterryg]

Love this teaching makes me long for youth and to go to this Hillsdale College all my grandkids should be sitting right there! God bless each young person and professor at the university!

[ezestudiosvegas]

Amen. May these videos be ever present within our hearts. Thanks for teaching important core principles to our youth.

[vietnameseamericansocialpoliti]

My words cannot say enough how I think about this course from my heart. Thank you.

[j.hmarvelous]

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER! Love this. Hope all those students feel the power they’re gaining. School these days is sadly garbage. What wonderful school and great privilege we have to get a tiny bit of what students experience everyday. Also, much credit to the parents that send their kids to this school. GOD bless the school, professors, students, parents, and everyone watching. The future seems bright with this students. 🙏🏾🙏🏾💯💯

[oksanalebrun]

To say I am deeply grateful for this great teaching to be publicly available to us is the very minimum. Back at my university years we were made to read all the great philosophers, but never had a chance to discuss and interact with a professor in such a way. I always imagined this way of studying and teaching. Now almost at 40, I was brought back to these timeless books and philosophers due to my MBA studies and the particular module called: Tackling Global-Local Challenges in Ethics, Responsibility and Sustainability.
Thank you for your invaluable wisdom and knowledge shared with us.

[crondawg]

These are the sort of conversations I expected to have in college.

I was not so fortunate

[tonymorgan]

I’ve watched this video a dozen times or more today and I can’t stop taking notes on this 20 minutes

[danb.]

This was absolutely fabulous. Than you Dr. Arnn.

[darcy-yo]

I am a recent Hillsdale alumnus, now attending grad school elsewhere, but - as with most Hillsdale alumni - still deeply enamored of my alma mater. I'm happy to answer any questions if anyone is curious about the college, the curriculum, or student life!

[CMBradley]

Great content from a great college. Thanks for sharing this.

[dknicely]

This is going to be an interesting journey

[karrisajoss]

I said some words and ended up in court and what I was reaching for was success and connection. Nothing more. Before the 3 year court process, I had never made an improper legal action. I had been striving my whole life to be a person of noble character and to do what was just, right and fair. Hm, loving this discussion. All was dismissed in the end, but my words choices I took full responsibility for left a wake of destruction in my life. In the end, I drew back to God and apologized to God for the two worst things in the words: sinning against God and hurting myself.

[kam.]

There comes a point in everyone’s career where one must choose between doing what is right and what is easy. I have always chosen what is right ... and a few times my career suffered for it. But I still get texts and calls from people I worked with 10+ years ago to my most recent job and they all say the same thing: I was an great inspiration to them. That I changed their lives for the better. And to please hire them at my next job.

There are times when it has been painful to be passed over for the promotion or not getting a certain job. But as I get older it’s of great comfort to know I have made a positive difference in 1000s of people’s lives and never compromised my ethics.

[adamalvarez]

Great class, can’t wait for the next video