Philosophy Of Aristotle And Kant - 1780 Words

The aim of this essay is to summarize, interpret, and compare the understanding of prac- tical reason and practical deliberation in the works of Aristotle and Kant. Although traditionally seen as polar opposites, there is a substantial overlap in both philosopher’s conclusions about practical deliberation and principles of actions, which make for different understanding, assu- ming the interpretations seen so far (i.e. dealing away with a stringent understanding of Kant as a rule-moralist). The essay will follow first an understanding of practical reason for Aristotle, fol- lowed by an interpretation of practical deliberation. Second, there will be an analysis of Kant’s concept of reason, and its categories, which is later complemented by†¦show more content†¦Given this account, the application of the same hylomorphic ideal to living things sees them as compo- sites of matter and soul (which is the form of a being). The soul, so understood, is inseparable but d istinct from the body, and acts as an inner principle of change2 of the subject towards other objects and itself. In that, it has to be active in order to produce acts that are formal and material change (De Anima, Book II, 1). In understanding living things, Aristotle firstly distinguishes a nutritive element of the soul, which involves growth, reproduction, and preservation, and is common to all forms of life.Secondly, there is a non-rational element of the soul, namely that of perception. This is a form of non-rational interaction with the environment, where through the senses, the being understands/ reacts to its reality, and forms basic desires (attraction/aversion) towards it. Aristotle considers this to be common to all animals, and passive, in that one can’t choose not to perceive. For this, desire-formation is non-rational, but it can be understood in terms of arà ªte, as excellent desires are in harmony with one’s good if under the influence of reason. Finally, there is the rational capacity of the soul, divided into the function of practical reason, which is the last moment of the first actuality before it turns into second actuality (action), and scientific reason, seen as the ability to understand empirical truths (through deduc- tion, induction) and theirShow MoreRelatedEssay on Comparing Three Philosophies of Education1531 Words   |  7 PagesComparing Three Philosophies of Education What is education? Education can be defined in one of four ways: 1. The activity of education carried on by teachers, schools and parents (or by oneself). 2. The process of being educated (or learning) which goes on in the student. 3. The result of numbers one and two. 4. 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Every rational being must consider the decision procedure for moral reasoning to determine if their action is morally permissible and can be universalized. However, Kant’s decision procedures may lead to conflict. Kant endorses the claim that one must never lie, regardless of the circumstance. As discussed in class, we are tempted toRead MoreComparing Aristotle And John Stuart Mill1130 Words   |  5 Pagesin Morality The role of pleasure in morality has been examined thoroughly throughout the beginning of philosophy and continues to be a questionable issue. With these in-depth examinations, some similar outlooks as well as differing views have been recorded. Many philosophers have dissected this important topic, however I intend to concentrate of the famous works of Aristotle, Immanuel Kant, and John Stuart Mill. After meticulously analyzing each of the above philosophers’ texts, I personally