Single Idea 22509

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / e. Human nature]

Full Idea

By these marks we distinguish what comes naturally: everything that is there straightaway as soon as something comes to be, and all that occurs to us if growth is allowed to proceed normally - such as greying hair, ageing, and the like.

Gist of Idea

What is natural for us is either there at birth, or appears by normal processes

Source

Aristotle (Eudemian Ethics [c.333 BCE], 1224b32)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Eudemian Ethics I,II and VIII', ed/tr. Woods,Michael [OUP 1992], p.26


A Reaction

The word 'normal' has to do a lot of work here. Presumably jaundice in a neonate is not included. Or later hereditary diseases.

Related Idea

Idea 22510 Some emotional states are too strong for human nature [Aristotle]