Il X libro dell'Etica Nicomachea. Un nuovo/antico modo di abitare l'universo?

Abstract

This paper aims to show the primacy of theoretical sciences and virtues in the Aristotelian Corpus. As Aristotle says, definitions are more exhaustive and precise in the theoretical rather than in the practical writings. In order to show this, I compare the definition of theoretical and practical sciences in Metaph. E 1 and Eth. Nic. VI, 2 and the definition of ‘soul’ in De an. B 1 and Eth. Nic. A 13 and Z 2. I then consider the nature of theoretical pleasures in Eth. Nic. X, 7, and show, by comparison with Part. an I, 5, that these pleasures can be identified with those offered by the study of nature. Thus, one can live a satisfying life and be a good citizen of the polis without being a theoretical scientist. But only through theoretical thought and action can one exceed the limits of a finite life, becoming a citizen of the universe.