Incontinence (philosophy)
Encyclopedia
Incontinence is often used by philosophers to translate the Greek term Akrasia
(ἀκρασία). Often used to refer to a lacking in moderation or self-control, especially related to sexual desire. This concept is also called wantonness.
In Dante's Inferno
incontinence manifests itself as a She-Wolf and causes Dante's allegoric trip through the nine circles of hell; illustrating that Dante thought that incontinence was a enabler of heinous sins. He reasoned a lack of self control would result in unfavorable actions while restraint would yield fruitful returns.
Aristotle
in Book VII of Nicomachean Ethics
described incontinence as knowing virtue
, but not having habituated it to control passion
. For example:
"Though I know courage is a virtue and understand the benefit to my situation, I am a coward because I have not habituated courage and can't control of my fear." (Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics, Book VII).
Akrasia
Akrasia , occasionally transliterated as acrasia, is the state of acting against one's better judgment. The adjective form is "akratic".-Classical approaches:...
(ἀκρασία). Often used to refer to a lacking in moderation or self-control, especially related to sexual desire. This concept is also called wantonness.
In Dante's Inferno
Dante's Inferno
Dante's Inferno is the first part of Dante Alighieri's epic poem Divine Comedy.Dante's Inferno may also refer to:* Dante's Inferno , a silent film about a slum landlord sent to hell...
incontinence manifests itself as a She-Wolf and causes Dante's allegoric trip through the nine circles of hell; illustrating that Dante thought that incontinence was a enabler of heinous sins. He reasoned a lack of self control would result in unfavorable actions while restraint would yield fruitful returns.
Aristotle
Aristotle
Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and polymath, a student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great. His writings cover many subjects, including physics, metaphysics, poetry, theater, music, logic, rhetoric, linguistics, politics, government, ethics, biology, and zoology...
in Book VII of Nicomachean Ethics
Nicomachean Ethics
The Nicomachean Ethics is the name normally given to Aristotle's best known work on ethics. The English version of the title derives from Greek Ἠθικὰ Νικομάχεια, transliterated Ethika Nikomacheia, which is sometimes also given in the genitive form as Ἠθικῶν Νικομαχείων, Ethikōn Nikomacheiōn...
described incontinence as knowing virtue
Virtue
Virtue is moral excellence. A virtue is a positive trait or quality subjectively deemed to be morally excellent and thus is valued as a foundation of principle and good moral being....
, but not having habituated it to control passion
Passion (emotion)
Passion is a term applied to a very strong feeling about a person or thing. Passion is an intense emotion compelling feeling, enthusiasm, or desire for something....
. For example:
"Though I know courage is a virtue and understand the benefit to my situation, I am a coward because I have not habituated courage and can't control of my fear." (Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics, Book VII).
Further reading
- Dahl, N.O. 1984. Practical Reason, Aristotle, and the Weakness of Will. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.
- Wedin, M. 1988. Mind and Imagination in Aristotle. New Heaven: Yale University Press.