Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics (1) bk 1-5 - Happiness and The Virtues

study one of the most influential works of all time on ethics, happiness, virtues, and self-improvement

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One of the earliest systematic treatments of moral theory, Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics remains a massively influential work today. Not only does he examine lifestyles, happiness, means and ends, and moral responsibility, but he also treats each of the virtuous and vicious states of character in detail. He also focuses on moral responsibility, how habits are reshaped or developed, weakness of will, friendships and other relationships, the value of pleasures, and even justice and society.

In this first course of two, Dr. Sadler leads students through a close study of books 1-5 of the Nicomachean Ethics. The course provides access to lecture videos, handouts, worksheets, lesson pages, reflection questions, discussion forums, and even quizzes you can use to test your understanding of the material.

Dr. Sadler has been teaching Aristotle in courses for two decades. He has provided dozens of talks and workshops on Aristotle's moral theory, and has published articles and book chapters on Aristotle as well.


Your Instructor


Gregory B. Sadler
Gregory B. Sadler

After a successful career as a college professor, researcher, and administrator, I started our company, ReasonIO (with my wife and partner, Andi Sciacca) in order to help people study and apply philosophy in public, practical, and professional contexts. I continue teaching philosophy, literature, religious studies, and humanities courses at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design.

I take difficult philosophical texts, thinkers, and topics, and make them accessible for everyday people. That's how philosophy gets traction and remains closely connected with real life! The work I do with ReasonIO includes online course development and teaching, public speaking, organizational and ethics consulting, tutorial sessions, development of philosophy content, and philosophical counseling.

My work and expertise covers a wide range of topics, thinkers, and texts in western philosophy, ranging through ancient, medieval, modern, and late modern periods. Among the schools, movements, and traditions I draw upon are Platonism, Aristotelianism, Stoicism, Patristic and Medieval Christian thought, Dialectical thought, Existentialism, Critical Theory, and Philosophy as a Way of Life.

From 2016 to 2022, I served as the Editor of Stoicism Today. I remain a member of the Modern Stoicism, ltd. team. I am also the producer of the Half Hour Hegel series, which is nearing its completion. I have authored one book (Reason Fulfilled By Revelation), edited two volumes (Stoicism Today Selected Essays, volume 3 and volume 4), and published dozens of articles, book chapters, and encyclopedia entries. Although I work in significant part outside of the academy, I remain actively engaged in research and scholarship.

In recent years, I have held a Research Residency at the Institute for Saint Anselm Studies, been a Visiting Scholar position at European Graduate School, and was a Charles Chesnutt Library Fellow. I am also an APPA-certified Philosophical Counselor.


Course Curriculum



Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
Do I need to have studied philosophy before?
While it certainly couldn't hurt, it isn't necessary for you to have studied philosophy before you take this course. I've built in some introductory material at the start, and I break all of the ideas down for you in the videos, lesson pages, and handouts
How hard Is this course?
Aristotle's works are complex and can be difficult, but I've designed this course to make it much easier for you to study and learn from the Nicomachean Ethics
Are there any assignments or tests?
There isn't any assigned work for this class. I do provide some reflection questions, but what you do with them is up to you. I also provide quizzes on each book, but you can take them or not take them - that's up to you as well.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

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