Possible Readings of Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, Book X

Above, I presented two possible interpretations of the notorious active intellect whose proper function still remains uncertain. These were: (a) the mystical and (b) the rational one. According to (a) nous poiêtikos does not belong to a particular human being but is identical with Deity or a divine sphere. Moreover, humans are capable of a sort of mystical union with it and this is how they access and emulate the Deity. According to (b) nous poiêtikos belongs to us and through its activity we can learn about the Deity and strive after it. In both (a) and (b) there is a sort of an imperative to follow what is divine, in order to lead a good life. This is why I decided to examine which of these two viewpoints is more appropriate, by comparing the paths leading to such a life proposed by each of them. I decided to use the book X of Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics as a criterion. This is where the philosopher’s theoretical life finds its most famous description. Let us then begin with presenting the most important fragments thereof.