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Single Idea 72

[from 'Nicomachean Ethics' by Aristotle, in 18. Thought / A. Modes of Thought / 5. Rationality / b. Human rationality ]

Full Idea

Assume the rational soul has two parts, one to contemplate things with invariable first principles, one to contemplate variable things.

Clarification

'Soul' is the Greek word 'psuché', which covers mind and consciousness and life

Gist of Idea

Assume our reason is in two parts, one for permanent first principles, and one for variable things

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1139a06)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.204


A Reaction

'Assume' is interesting. He presumably isn't asserting this division as a fact. So his methodology is make assumptions - probably as aids to clear thinking.