Citing Aristotle’s works can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to using the Chicago style.
With the use of Bekker numbers and various translations available, it can be challenging to determine the correct way to cite Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics.
However, fear not! In this article, we will guide you through the process of citing Aristotle in Chicago style, providing tips and tricks to make the process easier.
Whether you’re a student or a researcher, this article will help you navigate the complexities of citing Aristotle’s works and ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent.
So, let’s dive in and learn how to cite Aristotle Chicago style!
How To Cite Aristotle Chicago
To cite Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics in Chicago style, you will need to use Bekker numbers. These numbers are a system developed specifically for Aristotle’s works and are used by scholars to reference specific passages.
To begin, locate the Bekker number for the passage you wish to cite. This number can usually be found in the left margin of the edition you are reading. Once you have the Bekker number, you can use it to reference the passage in any translation of Aristotle.
When citing Aristotle in Chicago style, use footnotes or endnotes to provide a full citation. The citation should include the author’s name, the title of the work, the translator’s name (if applicable), the edition used, and the Bekker number.
For example:
1. Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, trans. Joe Sachs (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2002), Bekker number 1099a2-5.
In this example, we have cited Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics using Joe Sachs’ translation and provided the Bekker number for the specific passage referenced.
If you are citing a critical comment or note made by the translator or editor, include their name in your citation as well. For example:
2. Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, ed. H. Rackham (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1934), Bekker number 1099a2-5.
In this example, we have cited Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics using H. Rackham’s edition and provided the Bekker number for the specific passage referenced.
Introduction To Aristotle And The Chicago Style
Aristotle was a Greek philosopher who lived from 384-322 BCE. He is considered one of the most influential thinkers in Western philosophy and his works have had a profound impact on fields such as ethics, politics, metaphysics, and logic.
One of Aristotle’s most famous works is the Nicomachean Ethics, which is a collection of his lectures on ethics. To cite this work in Chicago style, it is important to use Bekker numbers. These numbers are a unique system developed specifically for Aristotle’s works and are used by scholars to reference specific passages.
Determining line numbers from an English translation can be tricky unless you have the Bekker edition and know Greek. However, most modern editions of Aristotle include Bekker numbers, so citing the Nicomachean Ethics using these numbers will work for any version of the text.
When citing Aristotle in Chicago style, it is important to provide a full citation that includes the author’s name, the title of the work, the translator’s name (if applicable), the edition used, and the Bekker number. Footnotes or endnotes are typically used to provide these citations.
By following these guidelines and using Bekker numbers, you can accurately cite Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics in Chicago style and give credit to one of the most important philosophers in history.
Understanding Bekker Numbers And Translations
Bekker numbers are a system of citation developed specifically for Aristotle’s works. The system is based on the page numbers used in the Prussian Academy of Sciences edition of Aristotle’s complete works and takes its name from the editor of that edition, August Immanuel Bekker. Bekker numbers consist of up to three ordered coordinates: a number, the letter a or b, and another number, which refer to the page number of Bekker’s edition of the Greek text of Aristotle’s works, the page column, and the line number.
While the page and column parts of the Bekker number are easy to arrive at (in fact, they are probably given in the left margin of the edition you are reading), determining line numbers from an English translation is not always straightforward. Determining line numbers is tricky unless you have the Bekker edition, know Greek, and want to refer directly to the Greek. 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, nor will the phrases always be of comparable length. Add in the fact that editions and translations use various page dimensions and type sizes, and the result is that there’s usually some approximation when you say that a passage begins and ends on particular lines in your translation.
However, it is important to note that all modern editions or translations of Aristotle intended for scholarly readers use Bekker numbers, in addition to or instead of page numbers. Contemporary scholars writing on Aristotle use the Bekker number so that the author’s citations can be checked by readers without having to use the same edition or translation that the author used.
Bekker numbering is therefore a useful tool for scholars who wish to reference specific passages in Aristotle’s works. While it may take some effort to determine line numbers from an English translation, understanding how Bekker numbers work can greatly aid in accurately citing Aristotle’s works in academic writing.
Citing Aristotle’s Works In Chicago Style
When citing Aristotle’s works in Chicago style, it is important to use the appropriate format for the specific work being cited. For example, when citing the Nicomachean Ethics, use the following format:
– Author’s name: Aristotle
– Title of work: Nicomachean Ethics
– Translator’s name (if applicable): Joe Sachs
– Edition used: University of Chicago Press, 2002
– Bekker number: 1099a2-5
When citing a critical comment or note made by the translator or editor, include their name in the citation as well.
It is also important to use footnotes or endnotes to provide a full citation, rather than including it in the main text. This helps to maintain the flow of the writing and avoid interrupting the reader’s focus.
In addition, if you are unsure about a particular word or concept in Aristotle’s works, it is recommended to cross-reference with either a secondary material that explains the connotations of the Greek words or to try to find this out yourself through Perseus.
Examples Of Proper Citations For Aristotle’s Works
When citing Aristotle’s works in Chicago style, it is important to use Bekker numbers. Here are some examples of proper citations for Aristotle’s works:
1. Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, trans. Joe Sachs (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2002), Bekker number 1099a2-5.
2. Aristotle, Metaphysics, ed. Hugh Tredennick (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1933), Bekker number 980a.
3. Aristotle, Politics, trans. Carnes Lord (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1984), Bekker number 1253a.
In each of these examples, the citation includes the author’s name, the title of the work, the translator’s or editor’s name (if applicable), the edition used, and the Bekker number for the specific passage referenced.
It is important to note that when citing Aristotle’s original text in translation, you should always use the Bekker pagination rather than the pagination of the English translation. Additionally, if you are citing a critical comment or note made by the translator or editor, their name should be included in the citation as well.
Tips And Tricks For Accurate And Consistent Citations
Accurate and consistent citations are essential for any research project. Here are some tips and tricks to help you ensure that your citations are both accurate and consistent:
1. Choose a citation style: There are various citation styles available, including APA, MLA, and Chicago. Choose a citation style that is appropriate for your field of study and stick to it throughout your paper.
2. Use reliable sources: Make sure to use reliable sources for your research and cite them accurately. This will not only help you avoid plagiarism but also enhance the credibility of your paper.
3. Use proper formatting: Each citation style has its own formatting rules for in-text citations, footnotes, and bibliographic entries. Make sure to follow the formatting rules consistently throughout your paper.
4. Include all necessary information: Your citations should include all necessary information about the source, including the author’s name, title of the work, publication date, and page numbers. For electronic sources, include the date of access and the full URL.
5. Use abbreviations: Some citation styles use abbreviations for commonly cited works or terms. Make sure to use these abbreviations consistently throughout your paper.
6. Check your citations: Double-check your citations to ensure that they are accurate and complete. You can use online citation generators or reference management software to help you with this task.
By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent, which will enhance the credibility of your research and make it easier for readers to locate your sources.
Conclusion: Mastering The Art Of Citing Aristotle In Chicago Style
In conclusion, mastering the art of citing Aristotle in Chicago style requires an understanding of Bekker numbers and how to use them. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and properly formatted.
It is important to note that determining line numbers from an English translation can be tricky, as translations may not always match the original Greek text in terms of sentence structure and phrase length. However, with the help of Bekker numbers and a reliable edition or translation, you can confidently cite Aristotle’s works in your academic writing.
Remember to always provide a full citation that includes the author’s name, title of the work, translator’s name (if applicable), edition used, and Bekker number. By following these guidelines, you can demonstrate your mastery of citing Aristotle in Chicago style and enhance the credibility of your research.
