The two of Aristotle's most famous discourses are Nicomachean Ethics and Eudemian Ethics. Both of them unveil Aristotle's perspective on virtue as a key determinant to wellbeing. Most Hellenistic philosophers (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle) concur with these discourses regarding the ethical virtues (wisdom, justice, courage, temperance) as the main facet of a good life.
However, unlike most Hellenistic philosophers, he disagrees with the idea that only with education in mathematics, sciences and philosophy can one comprehend "goodness" and "virtue". Aristotle suggests that people need a proper appreciation of the way in which the complexities in life such as friendship, pleasure, virtue, honor and wealth fit together as a whole.
Nicomachean Ethics
Aristotle posits that the inherent goal of human life is eudaimonia, which translates to happiness. In order to achieve eudaimonia, one must possess the Stoic virtues of wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice. Aristotle breaks down these virtues into 2 types: intellectual and moral. Intellectual virtues are qualities of mind, such as wisdom, phronesis (practical wisdom). Moral virtues are character traits, such as courage, temperance, and justice. The combination of the two leads to attaining eudaimonia.
How do you attain these virtues though? They are acquired through habit and practice. He also argues that virtues are not extremes; they are means between two extremes. For example, courage is the mean between cowardice and rashness. Temperance is the mean between profligacy and insensibility. Aristotle also discusses the importance of friendship and political community in achieving eudaimonia. He believes that humans are social creatures and that we need others to flourish. From a political lens, Aristotle's belief is that the best form of government is a polity, which is a mixed government that combines elements of aristocracy, democracy, and monarchy. Eudemian Ethics
It is speculated that Eudemian Ethics was edited by Aristotle's cousin Eudemus, whereas, Nicomachus, Aristotle's son, edited Nicomachean Ethics (eponymous). Eudemian Ethics, whilst mostly similar to Nicomachean, emphasises on different ways of attaining eudaimonia.For example, the Eudemian Ethics places a greater emphasis on the role of external goods, such as wealth and honor, in achieving eudaimonia. Unlike Nicomachean, Eudemian Ethics gives more attention to the role of pleasure in the good life.
Another key difference between the two works is their conception of eudaimonia. In the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle identifies eudaimonia with the active exercise of virtue. In the Eudemian Ethics, he identifies eudaimonia with a more complete or perfect form of happiness, which includes both the active exercise of virtue and the possession of external goods.
Despite these differences, the Eudemian Ethics and the Nicomachean Ethics are both essential texts for understanding Aristotle's ethical thought. In a materialistic world, Eudemian Ethics showcases how external goods are often considered important to achieve eudiamonia, whereas, Nicomachean Ethics defines the ideal Aristotelian thought process in achieveing Eudaimonia.
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