Single Idea 5252

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / D. Deontological Ethics / 1. Deontology]

Full Idea

The continent man (controlled, 'enkratic') is identical with one who tends to abide by his own calculation.

Gist of Idea

'Enkrateia' (control) means abiding by one's own calculations

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1145b09)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.227


A Reaction

The point is that this is NOT virtue, even though it results in doing the right thing. In such an 'enkratic' (controlled) person the reason is in a healthy state, but the desires, emotions and pleasures are badly trained.