Single Idea 4383

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

Full Idea

Aristotle's discussion of akrasia seems to leave the vital point unexplained, which is why the better syllogism is overcome.

Clarification

'Akratic' actions are those which lack self-control

Gist of Idea

Aristotle seems not to explain why the better syllogism is overcome in akratic actions

Source

comment on Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1102b14) by Myles F. Burnyeat - Aristotle on Learning to be Good p.85

Book Reference

'Essays on Aristotle's Ethics', ed/tr. Rorty,Amélie Oksenberg [University of California 1980], p.85


A Reaction

The problem is where exactly the action originates within us - is it sometimes from deliberation, and sometimes from some irrational force? Either akrasia is easy and action baffling, or vice versa.