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An Intra-Textual Study of Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics Book VI and the Role of the Five States of the Rational Soul

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An Intra-Textual Study of Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics Book VI and the Role of the Five States of the Rational Soul An intra-textual study of Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics Book VI and the role of the five states of the rational soul by Arne Karl Leeflang A mini-dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree: MA: Ancient Languages and Cultures (Coursework), Department of Ancient Languages, Faculty of Humanities, at the University of Pretoria. Supervisor: Prof. GJ Swart January 2011 © University of Pretoria Summary An intra-textual study of Aristotle‟s Nicomachean Ethics Book VI and the role of the five states of the rational soul by Arne Karl Leeflang Supervisor: Prof. GJ Swart Department of Ancient Languages Submission of mini-dissertation for the degree MA: Ancient Languages and Cultures (Coursework) In Book VI of the Nicomachean Ethics Aristotle makes the assumption that there are five states of the soul through which we interact with truth. He continues Book VI with a discussion of his intended meaning of each of these states of the soul. In this study the relevant discussions on each state are extracted from the text to enable a clearer understanding of these states, as Aristotle presents them. Subsequently, the role of each state is studied in the context of the entire Nicomachean Ethics. The primary focus is directed at a clearer understanding of Aristotle‟s proposed intellectual virtues, and on their respective roles in the ethical life. Simultaneously, the ethical life that Aristotle presents, and its ultimate end eudaimonia, or happiness, are approached from this perspective. Aristotle argues that reason is the distinguishing feature of humans, and that man‟s excellence must include the excellent use of this capacity. This study investigates how Aristotle proposes that the rational intellect should reach its completion, and comes to the conclusion that true mastery of the intellect can only result from the cooperation of the five states of the rational soul. It becomes evident that each state of the soul has a different nature and function, and that through directed cooperation they do not compete with one another, but are mutually enhanced. However, Aristotle repeatedly emphasises the importance of extending thought into action. This makes Aristotle‟s ethical theory so attractive: he manages to consolidate his theorizing with the value of experienced reality. This is his essential key to happiness, which is experienced both in perception and in action. 2 By approaching the Nicomachean Ethics from the perspective of the five states of the rational soul, an appreciation is acquired for the fine balance by which action and reason may combine to result in man‟s fulfilment of his highest potential. It is in this balance that one finds the secret to eudaimonia. [363 words] List of key terms: Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, states, soul, intellectual, virtues, happiness, eudaimonia, wisdom, practical, philosophic, art, scientific, contemplation, intuitive, reason, perception. 3 Contents 1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 5 1.1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 5 1.2. Research Problem ..................................................................................................................... 6 1.3. Research Approach ................................................................................................................... 7 1.4. Method .................................................................................................................................... 10 1.5. Objectives of the study ............................................................................................................ 10 1.6. Expected Results ..................................................................................................................... 11 1.7. Practical Notes ........................................................................................................................ 12 2. Analysis of Part 1 of the statement ................................................................................................. 13 3. „Art‟ (technē) ................................................................................................................................... 17 3.1. Technē in Book VI .................................................................................................................. 17 3.2. Technē in the Nicomachean Ethics ......................................................................................... 19 4. „Scientific Knowledge‟ (epistēmē) .................................................................................................. 27 4.1. Epistēmē in Book VI ............................................................................................................... 27 4.2. Epistēmē in the Nicomachean Ethics ...................................................................................... 29 5. „Practical wisdom‟ (phronēsis) ....................................................................................................... 33 5.1. Phronēsis in Book VI .............................................................................................................. 33 5.2. Phronēsis in the Nicomachean Ethics ..................................................................................... 39 6. „Philosophic wisdom‟ (sophia) ....................................................................................................... 51 6.1. Sophia in Book VI................................................................................................................... 51 6.2. Sophia in the Nicomachean Ethics.......................................................................................... 58 7. „Intuitive reason‟ (nous) .................................................................................................................. 68 7.1. Nous in Book VI ..................................................................................................................... 68 7.2. Nous in the Nicomachean Ethics ............................................................................................ 72 8. Discussion ....................................................................................................................................... 78 8.1. States of the soul vs. fields of knowledge ............................................................................... 78 8.2. The close connection between action and theory .................................................................... 80 8.3. The cooperative nature of the five states of the soul............................................................... 81 8.4. Eudaimonia ............................................................................................................................. 83 9. Formal Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 86 10. Bibliography.................................................................................................................................... 88 4 1. Introduction 1.1. Introduction In the Nicomachean Ethics Aristotle searches for the ultimate end, or goal, at which all man‟s efforts and actions are aimed. He reasons that every action aims at achieving some end. Usually, that end is merely a stepping stone which, in its turn, leads to another end. Aristotle assumes, if one were to find an end which would not be sought in order of achieving another, but which would be sought entirely for its own sake, that this would be the ultimate goal at which everything else aims, and that it would be advantageous to know what this final end is. As he says in chapter two of Book I in the Nicomachean Ethics: Will not the knowledge of it, then, have a great influence on life? Shall we not, like archers who have a mark to aim at, be more likely to hit upon what is right? (1094a 22–25) Aristotle comes to the conclusion that happiness is that goal, that final end. He is quick to point out, though, that this is not just a happy feeling, or a feeling of pleasure, but a state of living and acting, which is justified by one‟s highest ideals and principles, and is a demonstration of the best that man holds as potential within himself. He then proceeds to search for practical steps which may lead to such a life. Aristotle comes to the conclusion that, in this regard, a fundamental role is played by an interaction of moral and intellectual virtues. The moral virtues, which Aristotle discusses in great detail, are in essence acquired by habit and executed by the adherence to the „right rule‟. He is soon confronted by the dilemma which this „right rule‟ presents, because specific circumstances require an adaptation to their particular details in a way which cannot be put in a simple formula. Aristotle assumes that intellectual virtues are required to identify the „right rule‟ in confrontation to specific circumstances. Thus, a man leading such a „happy‟ life, as Aristotle imagines it, will guide his actions with his moral virtues, and will guide his moral virtues with his intellectual virtues. In Book VI of the Nicomachean Ethics Aristotle discusses these intellectual virtues, how he understands them, and how he intends them to be understood by his audience. Aristotle further distinguishes two parts within the „intellectual
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