Aristotle and Adam Smith on Living a Virtuous Life

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)