Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics Lesson Plan

Judging the Beasts

Kind of Activity:

Classwide Discussion

Objective:

Students will interpret the evidence provided by the text.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.2, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.6, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.7, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.10, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.4

Structure:

In Book VII, Aristotle’s discussion of the irrational part of the soul drives him to refer to bestial people as examples of lesser people who seek only base pleasures. However, his sentiments toward the bestial may not be shared by everyone.

For this assignment, students will consider Aristotle’s arguments...