# Anaxagoras — Nicomachean Ethics character guide

> Anaxagoras in Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0003-book-i

## Who they are

Philosopher mentioned in context of intellect and causation.

## Relationships

### [Solon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/solon)

_social_

Both are historical Greek figures often cited together in philosophical discussions about wisdom and law.

## In the story

### [Book VI: Intellectual Virtues and the Unity of Prudence and Moral Virtue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/chapters/book-vi)

Cited as an example of a wise man lacking prudence, being ignorant of his own advantage.

### [The Intellectual Virtues](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/chapters/the-intellectual-virtues)

Mentioned as an example of a wise person lacking prudence, being ignorant of their own advantage.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/chapters/vii)

Mentioned as an example of a wise person who is not prudent, being ignorant of his own advantage.

### [Book X: Pleasure and the Contemplative Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/chapters/book-x)

Mentioned in the context of the contemplative life and the divine element in human nature.

### [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/chapters/conclusion)

Referenced indirectly via the concept of divine reason; his philosophical influence underpins the discussion of the contemplative life.

### [Happiness as the Exercise of Virtue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/chapters/vi)

Referenced indirectly through the mention of Anacharsis, but not directly quoted; the text cites Anacharsis on the purpose of amusement.

### [Chapter VIII: Happiness as Contemplation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/chapters/viii)

Cited for the view that the happy man is neither rich nor a prince, and may be unrecognized by the masses.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters/anaxagoras
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nicomachean_ethics_se/characters