Single Idea 24060

[catalogued under 20. Action / B. Preliminaries of Action / 2. Willed Action / d. Weakness of will]

Full Idea

Self-controlled people, even when they desire and have an appetite for things, do not do these things for which they have the desire, but instead follow the understanding.

Gist of Idea

Self-controlled follow understanding, when it is opposed to desires

Source

Aristotle (De Anima [c.329 BCE], 433a06)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'De Anima (on the psuche)', ed/tr. Reeve, C.D.C. [Hackett 2017], p.60


A Reaction

If modern discussions would stop talking of 'weakness of will', and talk instead of 'control' and its lack, the whole issue would become clearer. Akrasia is then seen, for example, as an action of the whole person, not of some defective part.