Skip to content
Carmelics
TopicsThinkersChangesContributorsLoading account…

    Carmelics

    A reasoning platform. Break down any belief into clear reasons, explore both sides, and weigh the evidence honestly.

    Navigate

    • Topics
    • Search
    • Recent Changes
    • Contribute
    • How It Works
    • Glossary
    • Thinkers
    • Contributors
    • About
    • Statistics
    • Terms
    • Privacy

    Database

    Statements
    —
    Perspectives
    —
    Topics
    —

    Press ? for keyboard shortcuts

    LoyalLoyalJusticeJustice
    Made withinDC&Austin
    Statements
    321,452
    Perspectives
    108,905
    Topics
    42
    Home/Original/inverse
    See Original
    Inverse View

    It is not the case that Aristotle distinguishes continence (enkrateia) from genuine virtue: the continent person restrains bad desires but does not thereby act finely in the full sense.

    ?Set your confidence on the premises below to see your aggregate.

    Reasons For

    1 perspective
    Reason for
    ?
    • 1.Continence and virtue may differ only in degree or development stage, not in kind—both involve rational control and praiseworthy action.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.Requiring perfect desire harmony before granting 'genuine' virtue sets an unrealistic standard that few humans achieve, undermining virtue's practical relevance.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.The continent person's successful restraint demonstrates real virtue: practical wisdom, courage against appetite, and moral achievement worthy of respect.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
    ?
    • 1.Virtue requires proper desire alignment: the virtuous person wants the right things, while the continent person merely resists wrong desires.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.Acting well involves eudaimonia (flourishing), which demands internal harmony between reason and desire, not just rational override of appetite.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.Aristotle's telos-based ethics emphasizes character excellence, which the continent person lacks since their lower nature remains unconquered.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Next step

    Based on where you are in your exploration

    Strongest counterpoint
    Explore the most compelling reason on the other side.