Aristotle’s perception of childhood
Monteils-Laeng, Laetitia
Aristotle’s perception of childhood - 2017.
65
Despite its “naturalism”, Aristotle’s ethics does not emphasize the goodness of children. As they are not in accordance with nature (kata phusin), the impulsive movements of children must be rectified. Through their obsession with pleasure, children are almost intemperate by nature. Since childhood is rational, and thus human, only in terms of strength, Aristotle solely underlines its weakness. Children are pathologically weak, physically disproportionate, and above all irrational. They seem to be closer to animals than to a mature man. Examining childhood and its value leads us to explore what we call “naturalism” when we talk about Aristotle’s ethics.
Aristotle’s perception of childhood - 2017.
65
Despite its “naturalism”, Aristotle’s ethics does not emphasize the goodness of children. As they are not in accordance with nature (kata phusin), the impulsive movements of children must be rectified. Through their obsession with pleasure, children are almost intemperate by nature. Since childhood is rational, and thus human, only in terms of strength, Aristotle solely underlines its weakness. Children are pathologically weak, physically disproportionate, and above all irrational. They seem to be closer to animals than to a mature man. Examining childhood and its value leads us to explore what we call “naturalism” when we talk about Aristotle’s ethics.
Réseaux sociaux