Reading Group: Aristotle’s 'Nicomachean Ethics'

A group reading of Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics facilitated by Dr. Darren Poynton.

Wednesdays from 7pm. Starting 6th May 2026.

PLEASE NOTE: Spaces are extremely limited; please book before attending.

What is this book about?

Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, written in the 4th century BCE, is about the best way for a human being to live. While the word ‘ethics’, to the modern reader, may suggest a codified set of rules, this is not what the Nicomachean Ethics is about – it’s an investigation into what Aristotle believes is the best way for a human being to live, and the type of character needed to achieve that. Topics covered include, friendship, happiness, virtue, pleasure, and the importance of contemplation.

Why read this now? And what will I learn?

Philosophy is radical questioning. By reading and discussing together, and by doing it slowly and intentionally, we can improve our capacity to meaningfully think, understand and ultimately act together in the world. We will learn how to accurately pull apart and reconstruct complex arguments. Examining how questions about the good life were understood in ancient times can help us reflect better about our society of the present.

Nurturing self-education is especially valuable in our present times of mass distraction and democratic decline.

How will we be doing it?

This will be a group reading, rather than a taught lecture. As much as possible we will read whole passages out loud then discuss them together. We will take notes of these discussions and use them to build up our understanding of the text. Note takers will be rotated, so that this becomes a real group learning experience. Note taking will be voluntary. Help and encouragement can be provided to those who feel under experienced or unconfident.

The recommended translation is the Oxford World Classics 2009 edition, translated by David Ross and Edited by Lesley Brown. Though referring to other translations is also encouraged.

Darren Poynton was awarded his PhD in philosophy from the University of Essex in 2024.

He publishes short articles at: www.TheEleventhThesis.com

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