Prolegomena to sentimental education: À¬¸¿Â, DÁµ¾¹Â and the constitution of non-rational motivation on the philosophy of Aristotle

• Grant number: 20/05994-8
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): November 01, 2020
• Effective date (End): October 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Philosophy - History of Philosophy
• Principal researcher: Marco Antônio de Ávila Zingano
• Grantee: João Gabriel Borges Ribeiro
• Home Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas (FFLCH). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 15/05317-8 - Theories of causation and human agency in ancient Greek philosophy, AP.TEM

Abstract

Inspired by Elizabeth Anscombe's argument, according to which it would not be possible to do moral philosophy without first disposing of an adequate philosophy of psychology, we seek to analyze two psychological phenomena which are fundamental to Aristotle practical Philosophy: desire and emotions. Both are inserted on À¬¸¿Â scope and apparently have a motor role, being a constituent of the agent's non-rational motivation. In virtue of that, the Stagirite treats them, in certain contexts, indifferently, while in others he uses the terms as if relating to clearly distinct phenomena. A full comprehension of Aristotle's theory of action, therefore, presupposes the establishment of the conceptual borders between these two notions.