Single Idea 5250

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / e. Character]

Full Idea

There are three kinds of states of character to be avoided: vice, 'akrasia' and brutishness.

Clarification

'akrasia' is weakness of will (incontinence, lack of control)

Gist of Idea

The three states of character to avoid are vice, 'akrasia' and brutishness

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1145a16)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.226


A Reaction

The three are distinguished by the state of their reason: vice exhibits bad reason, akrasia exhibits right reason (but no control), and brutishness exhibits an absence of reason. A good distinction, which should be used to judge criminals.