more on this theme
|
more from this thinker
Single Idea 22508
[filed under theme 20. Action / C. Motives for Action / 3. Acting on Reason / a. Practical reason
]
Full Idea
In inanimate things the starting-point is single, in animate things there is more than one; for inclination and reason are not always in harmony.
Gist of Idea
Unlike in inanimate things, in animate things actions have more than one starting point
Source
Aristotle (Eudemian Ethics [c.333 BCE], 1224a24)
Book Ref
Aristotle: 'Eudemian Ethics I,II and VIII', ed/tr. Woods,Michael [OUP 1992], p.25
A Reaction
It is important that this seems to include non-human animals. We see animals avoid something which they desire, presumably because they detect a danger. They may be conflicting desires, but it is rational to prioritise dangers.
Related Idea
Idea 22504
Only a human being can be a starting point for an action [Aristotle]
The
44 ideas
from 'Eudemian Ethics'
5865
|
Happiness involves three things, of which the greatest is either wisdom, virtue, or pleasure
[Aristotle]
|
5866
|
It is folly not to order one's life around some end
[Aristotle]
|
18230
|
No one would choose life just for activities not done for their own sake
[Aristotle]
|
5868
|
Horses, birds and fish are not happy, lacking a divine aspect to their natures
[Aristotle]
|
5869
|
The thesis of the Form of the Good (or of anything else) is verbal and vacuous
[Aristotle]
|
5870
|
Everything seeks, not a single good, but its own separate good
[Aristotle]
|
5871
|
Goods in the soul are more worthy than those outside it, as everybody wants them
[Aristotle]
|
5872
|
Excellence is the best state of anything (like a cloak) which has an employment or function
[Aristotle]
|
5873
|
Each thing's function is its end
[Aristotle]
|
20204
|
Whether the mind has parts is irrelevant, since it obviously has distinct capacities
[Aristotle]
|
5874
|
Character virtues (such as courage) are of the non-rational part, which follows the rational part
[Aristotle]
|
5875
|
Character (éthos) is developed from habit (ethos)
[Aristotle]
|
22504
|
Only a human being can be a starting point for an action
[Aristotle]
|
22505
|
The two right angles of a triangle necessitate that a quadrilateral has four
[Aristotle]
|
22506
|
A man is the cause of what is within his power, and what he causes is in his power
[Aristotle]
|
22507
|
An action is voluntary when it is accompanied by thought of some kind
[Aristotle]
|
23319
|
We are responsible if our actions reflect our motivation
[Aristotle, by Frede,M]
|
22508
|
Unlike in inanimate things, in animate things actions have more than one starting point
[Aristotle]
|
22509
|
What is natural for us is either there at birth, or appears by normal processes
[Aristotle]
|
22512
|
Acts are voluntary if done knowingly, by the agent, and in his power to avoid it
[Aristotle]
|
22513
|
Knowing is having knowledge; understanding is using knowledge
[Aristotle]
|
22510
|
Some emotional states are too strong for human nature
[Aristotle]
|
22514
|
The deliberative part of the soul discerns explanatory causes
[Aristotle]
|
22515
|
Choice results when deliberation brings together an opinion with an inclination
[Aristotle]
|
22516
|
Character is shown by what is or is not enjoyed, and virtue chooses the mean among them
[Aristotle]
|
5876
|
Virtue is different from continence
[Aristotle]
|
22517
|
We judge character not by their actions, but by their reasons for actions
[Aristotle]
|
5877
|
We judge people from their deeds because we cannot see their choices (which matter more)
[Aristotle]
|
23905
|
Courage follows reason, which tells us to choose what is noble
[Aristotle]
|
23906
|
Courage from spirit is natural and unconquerable, as seen in the young
[Aristotle]
|
23908
|
If someone just looks at or listens to beautiful things, they would not be thought intemperate
[Aristotle]
|
23909
|
Wearing a shoe is its intrinsic use, and selling it (as a shoe) is its coincidental use
[Aristotle]
|
23910
|
Greatness of soul produces all the virtues - and vice versa
[Aristotle]
|
23911
|
Possessors of a virtue tend to despise what reason shows to be its opposite
[Aristotle]
|
23912
|
Honour depends on what it is for, and whether it is bestowed by worthy people
[Aristotle]
|
23913
|
Nearly all the good and bad states of character are concerned with feelings
[Aristotle]
|
23914
|
People sometimes exhibit both extremes together, but the mean is contrary to both of them
[Aristotle]
|
23917
|
Contrary statements can both be reasonable, if they are meant in two different ways
[Aristotle]
|
23918
|
Akrasia is the clash of two feelings - goodness and pleasure
[Aristotle]
|
23919
|
Friendship cannot be immediate; it takes time, and needs testing
[Aristotle]
|
23920
|
Decent people can be friends with base people
[Aristotle]
|
23915
|
The main function of politics is to produce friendship
[Aristotle]
|
23916
|
The best cure for mutual injustice is friendship
[Aristotle]
|
5878
|
Eyes could be used for a natural purpose, or for unnatural seeing, or for a non-seeing activity
[Aristotle]
|