[40] We have no term which at all approximates to the meaning of this
word, much less will our language admit of the play upon it which
connects it with [Greek: suggnomae].
[41] Meaning, of course, all those which relate to Moral Action.
[Greek: psronaesis ] is equivalent to [Greek: euboulia, ounesis,
gnomae, and nous] (in the new sense here given to it).
The faculty which guides us truly in all matters of Moral Action is
[Greek: phronaesis], i.e. Reason directed by Goodness or Goodness
informed by Reason. But just as every faculty of body and soul is not
actually in operation at the same time, though the Man is acting, so
proper names are given to the various Functions of Practical Wisdom.
Is the [Greek: phronimos] forming plans to attain some particular End?
he is then [Greek: euboulos]—is he passing under review the suggestions
of others? he is [Greek: sunetos]—is he judging of the acts of others?
he admits [Greek: gnomae] to temper the strictness of justness—is he
applying general Rules to particular cases? he is exercising [Greek:
nous praktikos] or [Greek: agsthaesis]—while in each and all he is
[Greek: phronimos]?
[42] See note, on p. 140.
[43] There are cases where we must simply accept or reject without
proof: either when Principles are propounded which are prior to all
reasoning, or when particular facts are brought before us which are
simply matters of [Greek: agsthaesis]. Aristotle here brings both these
cases within the province of [Greek: nous], _i.e._ he calls by this
name the Faculty which attains Truth in each.
[44] _i.e._ of the [Greek: syllogisimai ton prakton].
[45] See the note on [Greek: Archae] on p. 4,1 30. As a matter of fact
and mental experience the Major Premiss of the Practica Syllogism is
wrought into the mind by repeatedly acting upon the Minor Premiss
(_i.e._ by [Greek: ethismos]).
All that is pleasant is to be done,
This is pleasant,
This is to be done
By habitually acting on the Minor Premiss, _i.e._ on the suggestions of
[Greek: epithymia], a man comes really to hold the Major Premiss.
Aristotle says of the man destitute of all self-control that he is
firmly persuaded that it is his proper line to pursue the gratification
of his bodily appetites, [Greek: dia to toioytos einai oios diokein
aytas]. And his analysis of [Greek: akrasia] (the state of progress
towards this utter abandonment to passion) shows that each case of
previous good resolution succumbing to temptation is attributable to
[Greek: epithymia] suggesting its own Minor Premiss in place of the
right one. Book VII. 8 and 5.
[46] The _consequentia_ is this:
There are cases both of principles and facts which cannot admit of
reasoning, and must be authoritatively determined by [Greek: nous].
What makes [Greek: nous] to be a true guide? only practice, i.e.
Experience, and _therefore_, etc.