Are you struggling with how to properly quote Aristotle in your writing?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
With so many translations and editions of his works, it can be difficult to know which version to cite.
But fear not, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll break down the best practices for quoting Aristotle, including how to cite his works and when to use exact quotes versus paraphrasing.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of Aristotle quoting.
How To Quote Aristotle
When quoting Aristotle, it is important to cite the specific work and line numbers. For example, if you are quoting from the Nicomachean Ethics, you would cite the work and line number as “Nicomachean Ethics, 1094a1-2”.
If you are using an English translation of Aristotle’s works, it is best to cite the editor responsible for the translation. For example, if you are using the Complete Works of Aristotle edited by J. Barnes, you would cite it as “Barnes, ed., Complete Works of Aristotle”.
When using exact quotes, it is important to properly attribute them to Aristotle and give credit where credit is due. However, it is also important to remember that a paper cannot be written solely by stringing together exact quotes from various authors. More often than not, you will need to paraphrase or summarize Aristotle’s ideas in your own words.
When paraphrasing or summarizing Aristotle’s ideas, it is still important to properly cite him as the source. Failure to do so can result in charges of plagiarism.
Finally, when citing Aristotle’s works, it is best to use the Bekker pagination system. These standard numbers correspond to the page and line number of an old German comprehensive edition and make citation much easier.
Understanding Aristotle’s Works And Translations
Aristotle’s works are extensive and cover a wide range of topics. When quoting or referencing his works, it is important to understand the different translations available. The most commonly used English translation is the Complete Works of Aristotle edited by J. Barnes. However, it is important to note that translations may not always accurately reflect Aristotle’s original Greek text.
To properly cite Aristotle’s works, it is recommended to use the Bekker pagination system. This system was developed by classical philologist August Immanuel Bekker and is based on the page numbers used in the Prussian Academy of Sciences edition of Aristotle’s works. Bekker numbers consist of up to three ordered coordinates, including 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.
It is important to note that determining line numbers from an English translation can be tricky unless you have access to the Bekker edition and know Greek. This is because Greek and English differ enough that an intelligible translation may not necessarily put the parts of a sentence in the same order they had in the Greek.
When paraphrasing or summarizing Aristotle’s ideas, it is important to still properly cite him as the source using the Bekker pagination system. Failure to do so can result in charges of plagiarism.
How To Cite Aristotle’s Works
To cite Aristotle’s works, it is recommended to use the Bekker pagination system. This system uses a standard number to correspond to the page and line number of an old German comprehensive edition, making citation much easier. For example, if you are quoting from the Nicomachean Ethics, you would cite the work and line number as “Nicomachean Ethics, 1094a1-2”.
When citing an English translation of Aristotle’s works, it is best to cite the editor responsible for the translation. For instance, if you are using the Complete Works of Aristotle edited by J. Barnes, you would cite it as “Barnes, ed., Complete Works of Aristotle”.
For references to books, the first time the book is referred to, give the initial(s) and last name of the author, the place and date of publication, and the page number(s). Where you will be citing the same author in subsequent references, give an abbreviation of the title of the author’s work in square brackets.
For references to articles in periodicals, the first time the article is referred to, give the initial(s) and last name of the author, the name of the periodical, the number of the volume of the periodical, the date of publication, the full page-extend of the article and the page number(s) of the material referenced. Where you will be citing the same article in subsequent references, give an abbreviation of the title of the author’s work in brackets.
When using exact quotes from Aristotle’s works, it is important to properly attribute them to Aristotle and give credit where credit is due. However, it is also important to remember that a paper cannot be written solely by stringing together exact quotes from various authors. More often than not, you will need to paraphrase or summarize Aristotle’s ideas in your own words.
When paraphrasing or summarizing Aristotle’s ideas, it is still important to properly cite him as the source. Failure to do so can result in charges of plagiarism.
When To Use Exact Quotes Vs. Paraphrasing
When deciding whether to use exact quotes or paraphrasing when quoting Aristotle, it is important to consider the context and purpose of your writing.
Exact quotes should be used when you want to use Aristotle’s original words to support a specific argument or point. It is important to use quotation marks and properly cite the source to avoid plagiarism. However, it is important to remember that too many direct quotes can make your writing appear choppy and unoriginal.
Paraphrasing, on the other hand, is useful when you want to convey Aristotle’s ideas in your own words. It allows you to demonstrate your understanding of the material while avoiding the pitfalls of plagiarism. When paraphrasing, it is important to ensure that your version is distinct from Aristotle’s original wording and to properly cite him as the source.
In general, a combination of direct quotes and paraphrasing is often the most effective way to incorporate Aristotle’s ideas into your writing. This allows you to use his words when necessary while also demonstrating your own understanding and analysis of his ideas.
Tips For Integrating Aristotle’s Quotes Into Your Writing
Integrating Aristotle’s quotes into your writing can be a powerful way to strengthen your argument and add credibility to your ideas. Here are some tips to help you effectively integrate Aristotle’s quotes into your writing:
1. Choose quotes that are relevant to your argument: Before including a quote from Aristotle, carefully consider how it supports your argument. Make sure the quote is relevant and adds value to your writing.
2. Provide context: When introducing a quote from Aristotle, provide some context for your readers. Explain what he was discussing and why his ideas are relevant to your argument.
3. Use signal phrases: Use signal phrases such as “Aristotle argues that…” or “According to Aristotle…” to introduce his ideas. This helps readers understand that you are quoting someone else and not presenting your own ideas.
4. Use ellipses and brackets: When quoting Aristotle, it is sometimes necessary to omit or add words for clarity or to fit the quote into your sentence. Use ellipses (…) to show where you have omitted words and brackets [ ] to indicate where you have added words.
5. Analyze the quote: After including a quote from Aristotle, take the time to analyze it and explain how it supports your argument. Don’t assume that the quote speaks for itself – show your readers how it fits into your larger argument.
By following these tips, you can effectively integrate Aristotle’s quotes into your writing and strengthen your argument with his powerful ideas.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Quoting Aristotle
When quoting Aristotle, it is important to avoid common mistakes that can lead to inaccurate or incomplete citations. One common mistake is failing to cite the specific work and line numbers. This can make it difficult for readers to locate the original source and verify the accuracy of the quote.
Another mistake is failing to properly attribute quotes to Aristotle and giving credit where credit is due. It is important to remember that plagiarism is a serious offense and can have severe consequences.
Another common mistake is relying too heavily on exact quotes and failing to paraphrase or summarize Aristotle’s ideas in your own words. While exact quotes can be useful in certain circumstances, they should not be used as a substitute for original thought and analysis.
Lastly, it is important to use the correct pagination system when citing Aristotle’s works. Using the Bekker pagination system ensures that your citations are accurate and consistent with established standards.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your quotes from Aristotle are accurate, properly attributed, and effectively support your arguments and ideas.
