Wrangling with the Beard: How to Cite Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics in Chicago Style (and Not Get Lost in the Labyrinth)
Ah, Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics. A cornerstone of Western philosophy, a guide to the good life, and... a potential nightmare for your poor Chicago-style bibliography. Fear not, fellow scholar (or stressed-out undergrad)! With a little know-how and a dash of humor, we can navigate this intellectual labyrinth and get you citing like a pro.
First things First: The Author is a Dead Dude (But a Really Smart One)
Yes, Aristotle won't be needing a co-author credit on this one. In your bibliography, list him simply as "Aristotle." Now, you might be thinking, "Isn't the Nicomachean Ethics super old? Do I need some fancy ancient Greek reference system?" Thankfully, no. Chicago uses the good ol' fashioned date and publisher method.
But Wait, There's More! (Especially if You're Using a Translation)
Chances are, you're not reading the Nicomachean Ethics in its original ancient Greek. That's okay, most of us aren't fluent in the language of togas and philosophers with epic beards. If you're using a translation, you'll need to include the translator's name after Aristotle's in your bibliography. Here's the format:
- Aristotle. Translated by Translator Name. The Nicomachean Ethics. Publisher Name, Year.
For example:
- Aristotle. Translated by W. D. Ross. The Nicomachean Ethics. Oxford University Press, 1973.
Top Tip: Make sure you get the translator's name right! Confusing W. D. Ross with Bob from down the street might not go over well with your professor.
Footnotes: Your Little Citadels of Citation Power
Now, let's talk footnotes. These are your battle cries in the academic arena, letting everyone know you've done your research. Here's the format for a Chicago footnote referencing the Nicomachean Ethics:
- Aristotle, Nichomachean Ethics, Book Number.Chapter Number. (For example: Aristotle, Nichomachean Ethics, 1.7)
Remember: You'll need the book and chapter number, not the page number. The Nicomachean Ethics is divided into numbered books and chapters, kind of like a choose-your-own-adventure for ancient Greek ethics.
Conquering the Nicomachean Ethics, Chicago Style
So, there you have it! With these tips, you'll be citing Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics like a champ. Remember, even the great philosophers had to start somewhere. Now, go forth and conquer the good life (and maybe get a high five from Aristotle's ghost... or at least from your professor).
