Keyword Guide · study-guide-general
This guide targets the opening chapter of Aristotle’s foundational text on moral philosophy. It’s built for high school and college students prepping for discussions, quizzes, or essays. Start with the quick answer to lock in core ideas before diving deeper.
Aristotle opens Nicomachean Ethics by framing all human action as directed toward some good. he argues that different pursuits aim at different goods, and that a highest, overarching good exists that all other goods serve. Note this core claim to anchor all further analysis of the text.
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Nicomachean Ethics Book 1 Chapter 1 establishes Aristotle’s method for studying ethics: starting from observed human behavior and common beliefs. He posits that every intentional action has a purpose, or good, that the actor seeks to achieve. This opening sets the stage for his inquiry into the focused good for human life.
Next step: Write down one real-world action you take daily and identify the immediate good it aims to achieve, then link it to a broader, long-term good.
Action: Annotate the chapter to mark instances where Aristotle differentiates between types of goods.
Output: A page of annotated text with 2-3 marginal notes linking actions to their intended goods.
Action: Compare Aristotle’s opening premise to a modern ethical belief (e.g., individual happiness and. collective good).
Output: A 4-sentence paragraph drawing one clear similarity or difference between the two frameworks.
Action: Practice explaining the chapter’s core argument to a peer in 60 seconds or less.
Output: A condensed verbal or written summary that avoids jargon and focuses on key claims.
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Action: Break down the chapter’s argument into 3 sequential claims, listing each in a short sentence.
Output: A numbered list of 3 core claims that build Aristotle’s opening argument.
Action: Map each claim to a real-world example of human action that aligns with it.
Output: A 2-column chart pairing each claim with a concrete, modern example.
Action: Draft a short response to a hypothetical essay prompt asking for the chapter’s significance.
Output: A 3-sentence response that includes a clear topic sentence and one supporting example.
Teacher looks for: Clear, correct explanation of Aristotle’s opening premise about human action and goods, with no misinterpretations.
How to meet it: Revisit the chapter to verify every claim you make, and define all key terms in your own words alongside relying on memorized jargon.
Teacher looks for: Relevant, specific examples that illustrate instrumental and intrinsic goods, and how they align with Aristotle’s argument.
How to meet it: Brainstorm 3-4 everyday actions (e.g., studying, working, exercising) and categorize them before selecting the strongest 1-2 for your work.
Teacher looks for: Recognition of how the chapter’s opening sets up the text’s overarching inquiry into the highest human good.
How to meet it: Review the first page of Book 1 Chapter 2 to identify how Aristotle explicitly links his opening argument to the text’s core question.
Instrumental goods are actions or objects pursued as a means to achieve another good. Intrinsic goods are pursued for their own sake, not as a means to something else. Write these definitions in your study notes using your own words, and add a personal example for each.
Use this before class to guide your contributions. Come prepared with one question that asks peers to categorize a controversial action (e.g., social media use) as instrumental, intrinsic, or both. Practice explaining your own categorization to share during discussion.
Use this before essay draft to anchor your argument. Select one of the thesis templates from the essay kit and revise it to reflect your own interpretation of the chapter. Add one specific example from the text or real life to support the revised thesis.
Quiz yourself using the self-test questions in the exam kit, then check your answers against your notes. Create 2 additional multiple-choice questions that test knowledge of instrumental and. intrinsic goods, and swap them with a classmate for peer review.
One common mistake is assuming Aristotle claims all people pursue the same specific goods. He only claims all action is directed toward some perceived good, which can vary between individuals and cultures. Write this reminder at the top of your chapter notes to avoid this error.
Compare Aristotle’s opening premise to the ethical framework of a modern thinker or religious tradition you’ve studied. Write a 2-sentence summary of the key similarity or difference between the two approaches.
Aristotle’s main point is that all intentional human action is directed toward some perceived good, and that ethics should be studied as a practical, action-focused discipline rather than an abstract one.
Instrumental goods are pursued as a means to achieve another good, while intrinsic goods are pursued for their own sake. Aristotle uses this distinction to frame his search for the highest, intrinsic good for human life.
Aristotle starts with this chapter to establish his method for studying ethics—grounding his arguments in observed human behavior and common beliefs—rather than abstract principles. This sets the stage for his entire inquiry into human flourishing.
You can apply the ideas by categorizing your daily actions as instrumental or intrinsic, and reflecting on whether your current priorities align with your long-term, intrinsic goods rather than just immediate, instrumental ones.
Editorial note: This page is independently written for educational support. Verify specifics with assigned class materials and the original text.
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