Citing Aristotle’s works can be a daunting task, especially for those who are not familiar with the traditional Bekker Numbers system.
With so many translations and editions available, it can be challenging to determine the correct citation format. However, fear not!
In this article, we will guide you through the process of citing Aristotle’s works accurately and efficiently. Whether you’re a student writing a paper or a researcher working on a project, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to cite Aristotle’s works correctly.
So, let’s dive in and learn how to cite Aristotle like a pro!
How To Cite Aristotle
When citing Aristotle’s works, it is important to use the correct citation format to ensure accuracy and consistency. The traditional Bekker Numbers system is commonly used to cite Aristotle’s works, and it involves using a number system developed specifically for this purpose.
To cite Aristotle’s works using the Bekker Numbers system, you will need to include the title of the work, the book and chapter number from the collected Bekker edition, and the page, section, and line numbers from the Bekker edition. For example, if you were citing Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, your citation would look like this: Nicomachean Ethics, 1.7, 1098a16.
It is important to note that determining line numbers from an English translation can be tricky unless you have the Bekker edition and know Greek. This is because Greek and English differ enough that an intelligible translation won’t necessarily put the parts of a sentence in the same order they had in the Greek.
If you are citing Aristotle’s original text in translation, you should cite the Bekker pagination, not the pagination of the English translation. You should also include the name of the editor who is responsible for the work being cited. For example: “Men naturally desire knowledge” (Metaphysics, 980a, Ackrilled).
When citing books or articles in periodicals, you should include the author’s name, place and date of publication, and page numbers. If you intend to cite the same author in subsequent references, give an abbreviation of the title of the author’s work in square brackets.
For electronic resources such as journal articles or magazine articles from a database service, you should include the author’s name, title of article, title of journal or magazine, date of publication, pages, database service, library location, and retrieval date.
Understanding The Bekker Numbers System
The Bekker Numbers system is based on a specific edition of Aristotle’s collected works, and reflects the layout of this edition. Bekker numbers consist of a page number, a letter denoting a column (either “a” or “b”), and a line number. They are typically shown in the left margins of all texts, or can be found using the ‘Find Location in Text’ functionality or the OSEO bookmarklet.
When citing Aristotle using the Bekker Numbers system, the general format is: Book number(s). Chapter number(s), Bekker number(s), Line number(s). For example, the citation for the first page of Poetics, Aristotle’s work on poetry and literature, would be: Aristotle, Poetics, 1447a8. In this citation, the Bekker number includes a page number (1447), a column letter (a), and a line number (8).
It is important to note that the exact citation style may vary depending on the style guide being used. Common variations include adding book and chapter numbers for works that are divided into books and chapters, abbreviating author and title names, or omitting the author name and work title and just giving the Bekker number. Therefore, it is important to check how your client is using Bekker numbers before you start proofreading to ensure accuracy and consistency.
In the reference list, the correct format for an Aristotle text will depend on the system being used (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago). If you are checking references as well, make sure to check for advice on classical texts in your client’s chosen style guide.
Choosing The Right Translation And Edition
When citing Aristotle’s works, it is important to choose the right translation and edition to ensure accuracy and consistency. The standard English version of Aristotle is the Oxford Translation, which was originally published in 12 volumes between 1912 and 1954. It is universally recognized as the standard English version of Aristotle and is regularly referred to by scholars of all nationalities.
Princeton University Press has made available the complete works of Aristotle in two volumes, which contain the substance of the original translation revised by Jonathan Barnes in the light of recent research. Three of the original versions – Categories, On Interpretation, and Posterior Analytics – have been replaced by more modern translations. A new and enlarged selection of Fragments has been added, and a generous index provides indispensable aid to the scholar.
When citing Aristotle’s original text in translation, it is important to cite the name of the editor who is responsible for the work being cited. For example, if you are citing Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, you should cite the edition translated by W.D. Ross and include an introduction by R.W. Browne and a biographical afterword.
If you are unsure which translation or edition to use, consult with your professor or academic advisor for guidance. They may have specific recommendations based on their own research or experience. It is always better to err on the side of caution and choose a reputable translation or edition that has been widely accepted by scholars in the field.
Formatting In-text Citations For Aristotle’s Works
When citing Aristotle’s works in-text, it is important to follow the Bekker Numbers system. This involves including the title of the work, the book and chapter number from the collected Bekker edition, and the page, section, and line numbers from the Bekker edition. For example, a citation for Nicomachean Ethics would look like this: Nicomachean Ethics, 1.7, 1098a16.
It is important to note that determining line numbers from an English translation can be difficult unless you have access to the Bekker edition and know Greek. Therefore, it is recommended to use a translation that already includes the Bekker numbers to ensure accuracy.
When quoting Aristotle’s original text in translation, cite the Bekker pagination instead of the pagination of the English translation. Additionally, include the name of the editor responsible for the work being cited. For example: “Men naturally desire knowledge” (Metaphysics, 980a, Ackrilled).
When citing books or articles in periodicals, include the author’s name, place and date of publication, and page numbers. If you plan to cite the same author in subsequent references, provide an abbreviation of the title of their work in square brackets.
For electronic resources such as journal articles or magazine articles from a database service, include the author’s name, title of article, title of journal or magazine, date of publication, pages, database service, library location, and retrieval date.
By following these guidelines for formatting in-text citations for Aristotle’s works, you can ensure accuracy and consistency in your writing.
Creating A Bibliography For Aristotle’s Works
Creating a bibliography for Aristotle’s works involves following the correct citation format for the type of source being cited. For books, the initial(s) and last name of the author, place and date of publication, and page number(s) should be included. If citing the same author in subsequent references, give an abbreviation of the title of the author’s work in square brackets.
For periodicals such as journals or magazines, the author’s name, name of the periodical, volume number, date of publication, full page extent of the article, and page number(s) should be included. If citing the same article in subsequent references, give an abbreviation of the title of the author’s work in brackets.
When citing electronic resources such as journal articles or magazine articles from a database service, include the author’s name, title of article, title of journal or magazine, date of publication, pages, database service, library location, and retrieval date. For articles from internet sites with no identified author or date, include the title of the article, name of the internet site, date of posting or latest update, name of sponsoring organization, retrieval date, and URL.
It is important to note that when citing Aristotle’s original text in translation using the Bekker Numbers system, you should cite the Bekker pagination and include the name of the editor who is responsible for the work being cited.
Tips And Tricks For Accurately Citing Aristotle’s Works
Here are some tips and tricks for accurately citing Aristotle’s works:
1. Use the Bekker Numbers system to cite Aristotle’s works. This system involves using a number system developed specifically for this purpose and includes the title of the work, the book and chapter number from the collected Bekker edition, and the page, section, and line numbers from the Bekker edition.
2. If you are citing Aristotle’s original text in translation, cite the Bekker pagination, not the pagination of the English translation. Also, include the name of the editor who is responsible for the work being cited.
3. When citing books or articles in periodicals, include the author’s name, place and date of publication, and page numbers. If you intend to cite the same author in subsequent references, give an abbreviation of the title of the author’s work in square brackets.
4. For electronic resources such as journal articles or magazine articles from a database service, include the author’s name, title of article, title of journal or magazine, date of publication, pages, database service, library location, and retrieval date.
5. When determining line numbers from an English translation, keep in mind that Greek and English differ enough that an intelligible translation won’t necessarily put the parts of a sentence in the same order they had in the Greek. Therefore, it is best to have access to the Bekker edition and know Greek if possible.
By following these tips and tricks, you can accurately cite Aristotle’s works and ensure consistency in your citations.
