ETHICS

Aristotle is continuing his investigation into the nature of "choice" (prohairesis in Greek) and, here, he's trying to pinpoint what choice really is. He starts this part by acknowledging that choice is not the same as any of the things he's already discussed—like opinion, wish, or mere voluntary action. Essentially, he's asking, "If it's not those things, then what exactly are we talking about?" This question frames the exploration of what makes choice unique and how it fits into human decision-making.

Aristotle is making a distinction here: just because something is voluntary (something we do willingly and not under compulsion) doesn't mean it is something we actively choose. In other words, while all choices are voluntary actions, not all voluntary actions qualify as true "choices" in the deeper, rational sense he's exploring. There are voluntary actions we might do without prior thought or intention—such as instinctive or spontaneous behaviors—that don’t involve the deliberate decision-making process he associates with choice.

Here, Aristotle is trying to figure out what exactly "choice" (or prohairesis in Greek) really is. He's already distinguished it from things like opinion and basic voluntary actions, and now he’s asking if it might be connected to deliberation, specifically something we decide after carefully thinking things through.

In simpler terms, he's wondering if choice is something that comes after a process of reasoning—when we weigh options, reflect on consequences, and then settle on a decision. He’s exploring whether the act of choosing is tied to thoughtful consideration, as opposed to being impulsive or instinctive.

Aristotle is emphasizing that choice is not a random or impulsive action but something grounded in rationality and thoughtful consideration. In other words, when we make a choice, it involves a deliberate process where reason and logic guide us toward a decision. It's not just about acting on a whim or gut feeling; there is an intellectual or thoughtful component that distinguishes choice from other actions or decisions.

In this line, Aristotle is reflecting on the nature of choice (in Greek, "prohairesis"). He points out that the very word "choice" implies a sense of prioritization—that it is the act of selecting something over other possibilities. It’s not just about desiring or acting on impulse; it implies a deliberate decision made after considering various options. The essence of choice, then, lies in its connection to reason and judgment, indicating that it isn’t random but something consciously determined based on prior thought or reflection.