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

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