more on this theme     |     more from this text


Single Idea 23249

[filed under theme 2. Reason / A. Nature of Reason / 1. On Reason ]

Full Idea

It is part of the notion of reason according to these philosophers [Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Stoics] that reason has its own needs and desires.

Gist of Idea

The early philosophers thought that reason has its own needs and desires

Source

Michael Frede (Intro to 'Rationality in Greek Thought' [1996], p.5)

Book Ref

'Rationality in Greek Thought', ed/tr. Frede,M /Striker,G [OUP 1999], p.5


A Reaction

This sounds as if reason is treated as a separate person within a person. Anyone solving a logical puzzle feels that reason has its own compulsion. 'Boulesis' is the desire characteristic of reason.

Related Idea

Idea 23250 Desired responsible actions result either from rational or from irrational desire [Aristotle]


The 10 ideas from Michael Frede

The Gnostic demiurge (creator) is deluded, and doesn't care about us [Frede,M]
In the third century Stoicism died out, replaced by Platonism, with Aristotelian ethics [Frede,M]
The idea of free will achieved universal acceptance because of Christianity [Frede,M]
For Christians man has free will by creation in God's image (as in Genesis) [Frede,M]
In late antiquity nearly all philosophers were monotheists [Frede,M]
There is no will for Plato or Aristotle, because actions come directly from perception of what is good [Frede,M]
The Stoics needed free will, to allow human choices in a divinely providential cosmos [Frede,M]
Earlier views of Aristotle were dominated by 'Categories' [Frede,M]
Insurance on the original ship would hardly be paid out if the plank version was wrecked! [Frede,M]
The early philosophers thought that reason has its own needs and desires [Frede,M]