Aristotle and Adam Smith on Living a Virtuous Life (October 2021)

theory of moral sentiments nicomachean ethics virtual reading group

October 2021


with Alice Temnick
Happiness consists in tranquility and enjoyment. Without tranquility there can be no enjoyment; and where there is perfect tranquility there is scarce anything which is not capable of amusing. ~ Adam Smith

All readings are available online.

Register here.


The sessions and readings are as follows:

Wednesday, October 13, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EDT: Social beings and Happiness
Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics: Book 1 
Adam Smith, Theory of Moral Sentiments: Part 1, Section 1, Ch. I - V (p. 9-23)

Wednesday, October 20, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EDT: Our Practice of Virtues
Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics: Book II and Book III
Adam Smith, Theory of Moral Sentiments: Part III, Ch. I - IV (p.109-156), and Part VI, Section I, Section II, Ch. 1 (p. 212 - 227).

Wednesday, October 27, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EDT: Living Our Best Life
Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics: Book X
Adam Smith, Theory of Moral SentimentsPart VI, Section III   (p. 237 - 264) AND Smith on Aristotle: Part VII, Section II, (p. 266 - 273)