This is the first book in modern times that makes sense of the Nicomachean Ethics in its entirety as an interesting philosophical argument, rather than as a compilation of relatively independent essays. In Taking Life Seriously Francis Sparshott expounds Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics as a single continuous argument, a chain of reasoned exposition on the problems of human life. He guides the reader through the whole text passage by passage, showing how every part of it makes sense in the light of (...) what has gone before, as well as indicating problems in Aristotle's argument. No knowledge of Greek is required. When the argument does depend on the precise wording of the Greek text, translations and explanatory notes are provided, and there is a glossary of Greek terms. Sparshott offers insightful and useful criticism, making Taking Life Seriously the best available companion to a first reading of the Ethics. (shrink)

This book is concerned not with what dance is, but with what dance is like. The center of attention is the accepted art or arts of dance, the sort of thing people go to see in theaters & which professional. dancers make a living by performing. The meaning of what goes on in that kind of performance art is the main focus. Chapters: Part 1: Kinds of Dance: The Problem of Classif'n.; Classif'n. by Context; Expression; Formal Prin's. of Movement; Anatomy; (...) Units & Systems; Rhythm; One & Many: Groups, Solo, & Couples; & Modes of Dance Org.; Part 2: Dance & Related Fields: Music; Language; & Theater; Part 3: Aspects of Dance: Dance Values; Dance & Spectator; Learning to Dance; Dance & Choreography; The Identity of a Dance; & Recording Dance. (shrink)

The article suggests that the position ascribed to thrasymachus in book i of plato's "republic" may be confused but need not be self-contradictory. A formal argument is constructed that derives his conclusion from premisses based on things he says, though not always in the language he uses. It is not suggested that plato ascribes this argument to thrasymachus, but only that it is consistent and intelligible in itself and compatible with what thrasymachus does say.

The paper demonstrates a fifteen-point structural correspondence between plato's "republic" and aristotle's "nicomachean ethics". The more interesting points of correspondence are discussed, as are the three passages in each work that have no analogue in the other, and that are not explained by aristotle's dealing with politics in a different work. Possible explanations of this detailed correspondence are considered.