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Single Idea 4382

[from 'Nicomachean Ethics' by Aristotle, in 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 1. Virtue Theory / a. Nature of virtue ]

Full Idea

It seems perplexing in Aristotle that he apparently claims that virtues involve choice, while feelings do not.

Gist of Idea

Feelings are vital to virtue, but virtue requires choice, which feelings lack

Source

comment on Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1104b10) by L.A. Kosman - Being Properly Affected p.110

Book Reference

'Essays on Aristotle's Ethics', ed/tr. Rorty,Amélie Oksenberg [University of California 1980], p.110


A Reaction

This captures the Kantian unease about Aristotle's theory. Presumably the answer is that choice comes into the training of the feelings, including self-training. Is choice involved in a dog trained to beg?