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Single Idea 69

[from 'Nicomachean Ethics' by Aristotle, in 20. Action / C. Motives for Action / 3. Acting on Reason / a. Practical reason ]

Full Idea

We deliberate not about ends, but about means.

Gist of Idea

We deliberate about means, not ends

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1112b12)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.119


A Reaction

A young person choosing a career path probably ought to deliberate about ends, as well as means. Is he implying at ends are irrational? That sounds unlikely.

Related Idea

Idea 80 Virtue ensures that we have correct aims, and prudence that we have correct means of achieving them [Aristotle]