ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses a few of the philosophical views associated with the topic of the colloquium, and summarizes the main points contained in the principal papers. It presents the novel suggestion that Aristotle does not regard virtue as the sole best criterion. Rather, in each particular case natural justice is what coheres with its institutional environment, whether it be democracy, oligarchy or aristocracy. The book investigates the question of whether moral realists of the present day might find some support for their position in Aristotle. It sets out the various claims involved in this interpretation, and objects that, inter alia, it fails to provide an adequate account of objective truth and misrepresents Aristotle's moral psychology. Aristotle proves that living according to virtue is the best life by showing that it best satisfies standards independent of ethical values.
