Great Books I Study Questions for Assignment 31
Study Questions for Assignment 31 -- Aristotle's  Ethics VI; VII 1-3; VII 11-14

Introductory issues:

* What are the two rational parts of the soul, and what are they called? (VI.1) (1139a)

* What are the five states by which the soul possesses truth via affirmation and denial? (VI.3) (1139b)
* How are these related to the two rational parts of the soul?

These five states form the structure for the rest of bk. VI

  1. What is the cause behind choice? (VI.2) (1139a-b)
  2. Why must choice involve both reason and desire?
  3. Do you agree with Agathonā's statement? Why? What does it imply about the nature of God?
  4. Define scientific knowledge, and give some examples. (VI.3)
  5. What is art? (VI.4) (1140a)
  6. What is practical wisdom? (VI.5) (1140a-b)
  7. Can the first principles of scientific knowledge be an object of scientific knowledge? Why or why not. (VI.6) (1140b-1141a)
  8. What is intuitive reason? (1141a)
  9. Define wisdom. (VI.7) (1141a-b)
  10. Why do the philosophers have philosophic wisdom but not practical wisdom? (1141b) (Note that Aristotle is not saying philosophic wisdom is of less value than practical wisdom--see Chap. 12, 1143b, line 33)
  11. Why are young men not good sources of practical wisdom? (VI.8) (1142a)
  12. Define understanding. (VI.10) (1143a)
  13. Define judgment (VI.11) (1143a-b)
  14. How does A. link all these five states and other concepts together? (VI.11) (1143a-b)
  15. Do incontinent people act knowingly? (VII.3) (1145b-1147b)
  16. Explain two of Aristotle's' arguments for why pleasure can be a good. (VII.12) (1153a)
  17. Does Aristotle think that wealth is necessary for happiness? (VII.13) (1153b)
  18. Explain this phrase, "all things have by nature something divine in them."

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