In this episode of The Greats, Colton and Doc explore Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics and its enduring ideas about happiness, virtue, courage, justice, friendship, and human flourishing. They discuss Aristotle’s “golden mean,” the importance of developing good character, and why happiness is more than a temporary feeling.

The conversation also considers where Aristotle’s philosophy overlaps with—and differs from—the Christian understanding of human purpose, grace, friendship with God, and the hope of the kingdom.

They also share an update about the future of The Greats and the projects they will be pursuing next.

For More from Colton, visit https://substack.com/@coltoncauthen

00:00 Intro
00:25 The Future of The Greats
02:03 Who Was Aristotle?
04:37 What Is the Good Life?
07:26 Happiness and Human Flourishing
11:06 Virtue and Human Nature
17:43 Understanding Nicomachean Ethics
22:26 Is Good Discovered or Determined?
24:21 Aristotle and Christianity
33:50 Aristotle, Jesus, and the Beatitudes
36:37 Virtue and the Golden Mean
43:45 Extremes, Criticism, and Online Culture
47:42 Choice and Moral Responsibility
52:34 Courage and Magnanimity
56:06 Justice by Nature and Convention
01:01:55 The Three Types of Friendship
01:03:49 Marriage and Mutual Goodness
01:06:26 Friendship With God
01:08:00 Aristotle’s Influence on Christian Thought
01:11:38 Contemplation and Closing Thoughts