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Single Idea 5215

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

Full Idea

Particular circumstances of an action can involve 1) the agent, 2) the act, 3) the object, and also sometimes 4) the instrument, 5) the aim, and 6) the manner.

Gist of Idea

There are six categories of particular cirumstance affecting an action

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1111a04)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.114


A Reaction

'Particular circumstances' are a crucial ingredient in virtue theory. It is interesting that 'the aim' (no.5) is only 'sometimes' a factor. Odd for a teleologist. Aristotle is interested in factors affecting decisions, and also excuses afterwards.

Related Idea

Idea 5216 An act is involuntary if the particular facts (esp. circumstances and effect) are unknown [Aristotle]