Date of Award
8-12-2016
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Philosophy
First Advisor
Dr. Tim O'Keefe
Second Advisor
Dr. Andrew J. Cohen
Third Advisor
Dr. Jessica Berry
Abstract
In this thesis, I explore Aristotle’s conception of the relation between practical wisdom (phronesis) and the end of action. Intellectualists claim that phronesis determines the end of action, whereas non-intellectualists claim that virtue as a non-rational state determines the end of action. Recently, Jessica Moss has provided a sustained defense of the non-intellectualist interpretation. I offer three arguments against Moss’s interpretation: (1) the line at 1144a6-7 that is taken to provide an obvious support for the non-intellectualist interpretation does not provide an obvious support. (2) The non-intellectualist interpretation is inconsistent with the conclusion of Aristotle’s function argument. (3) The non-intellectualist interpretation fails to distinguish between two distinct senses of ‘goal.’ After arguing against the non-intellectualist interpretation, I explore the relation between phronesis and eudaimonia.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.57709/8567049
Recommended Citation
Sapkota, Gagan, "Aristotle on Practical Wisdom and the End of Action." Thesis, Georgia State University, 2016.
doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/8567049