Preeminent in phronesis: Xenophon and Aristotle on the intellectual virtues

Producción CyT

Capítulo de Libro

Autoría

Claudia Mársico

Fecha

2025

Editorial y Lugar de Edición

Rowman

Libro

Xenophon and Aristotle on the Virtues (pp. 42-65)
Rowman

ISBN

9004369015

Resumen Información suministrada por el agente en SIGEVA

During the classical period, there were essential processes associated with the entrenchment of the τέχναι, which until then had been practised without distinct self-awareness. They began to build arguments on their theoretical status to distance themselves from mere experience. The cases of mathematics, medicine, rhetoric and, later, grammar are well-known. In this context, philosophy came up in tension with these fields and aiming, especially in the Socratic circle,... During the classical period, there were essential processes associated with the entrenchment of the τέχναι, which until then had been practised without distinct self-awareness. They began to build arguments on their theoretical status to distance themselves from mere experience. The cases of mathematics, medicine, rhetoric and, later, grammar are well-known. In this context, philosophy came up in tension with these fields and aiming, especially in the Socratic circle, at a radical grounding and a strong claim for theoretical preeminence over the other disciplines. For that purpose, it had to offer elements indicating which type of particular excellences were better attained through its intervention. On the other hand, the progress of the studies on the ethical and the anthropological spheres led to examine further the notion of virtue and their classes, together with the relationship between virtue and knowledge. This subject goes back to the very Socratic origin. However, the approaches on this topic have received uneven attention and, as a result, we count on a very uncomplete image of the contribution from different lines. The comparison between Xenophon´s and Aristotle´s views can shed light on relevant aspects of these philosophies as well as on the concerns of the Socratic circle in general. Consequently, I propose in this work an approach to understanding the Aristotelian analysis of the intellectual virtues in the last part of Nicomachean Ethics, 6, taking into account the central function of φρόνησις regarding the production of the moral judgement and action, paying attention to the role of the minor intellectual virtues. Secondly, on this basis, I examine Xenophon´s usage of these notions highlighting its links with the Aristotelian setting. Finally, I analyse to what extent both views are based on common grounds and how these tools help to differentiate the structure of righteous judgements and actions from the confusing variants that seem to be virtuous without being so, offering tools to reflect on the conditions for true virtue. This exploration will reveal strong coincidences in approach and terminology that are signs of their shared Socratic origins, serving as starting points for further study about their acquaintance.

Ver más Ver menos

Palabras Clave

VIRTUESXENOPHONARISTOTLEETHICS