ETHICS

This part emphasizes that we only deliberate—meaning we think carefully and discuss—about things that are within our control and that we have the ability to do. Aristotle is narrowing the scope of what it makes sense to deliberate about: not everything is worth considering or discussing. For example, we don't waste time deliberating over things we can't influence, like the weather or natural laws. Instead, we focus on what depends on our actions and choices.

In this part, Aristotle is listing what people traditionally see as causes or forces that influence outcomes in the world. These include:

- Nature: Natural laws or forces, like the weather or the growth of plants, which operate independently of human control.
- Necessity: Things that are inevitable or must happen, like the passing of time or the laws of physics.
- Chance: Random events, like accidentally finding treasure or encountering someone unexpectedly.
- Reason: Human thought, planning, and decision-making.
- Everything that depends on man: Actions or choices directly controlled by humans.

The point he's making is that deliberation—careful thought about decisions—is limited to things that are influenced by human reason and effort, not by forces like nature, necessity, or chance, which are beyond our control.

Aristotle is emphasizing that people only deliberate or deeply consider matters that fall within their control and capability to act upon. In simpler terms, no one wastes time thinking over things they cannot influence (like the phases of the moon), but instead, they focus on situations where their own actions or choices can make a difference. Each group of people, based on their knowledge, role, or expertise, deliberates on matters relevant to what they can personally affect.

Aristotle is saying that when it comes to areas of knowledge or activities that are precise, clear, and already established—like the "exact and self-contained sciences"—there’s no need for deliberation. Take the example of the letters of the alphabet: we don’t stop to think or debate about how to write them because the process is fixed and universally agreed upon. In short, there’s nothing uncertain or up for debate in such cases, so deliberation isn’t necessary.

Aristotle is saying that we deliberate—meaning we carefully think and make decisions—about things that depend on our own actions but don’t always follow a fixed, predictable pattern. These are the areas where there’s uncertainty, flexibility, or variability in how things work. For example, how to treat a particular illness (medical treatment) or how to grow wealth (money-making) are topics people deliberate about because they involve choices, require skill, and have no single guaranteed outcome. These are problems where personal effort and decision-making play a big role, and the "right way" to approach them might change depending on the situation.

Aristotle is saying that we deliberate—or carefully consider and make decisions—more about complex or uncertain things than about simpler ones. For example, he compares navigation (sailing or steering a ship) with gymnastics. Navigation requires more deliberation because it is less "exactly worked out"—meaning it involves more uncertainty, variability, and unpredictability. Factors like weather, currents, and unforeseen challenges make navigation more complex, so it requires greater thought and decision-making. On the other hand, gymnastics, as a physical discipline, is more straightforward and well-established, so it demands less deliberation.

Essentially, we spend more time thinking critically about uncertain or less-developed fields than those where the methods and outcomes are clearer or more predictable.

Aristotle is pointing out that we are more likely to deliberate—the process of carefully considering our options—about practical skills or "arts" (like navigation, medicine, or making money) than about theoretical knowledge or "sciences" (like geometry or basic facts of nature). Why? Because practical matters often come with uncertainty and require decision-making based on real-world outcomes, which are not always straightforward or predictable. In contrast, theoretical sciences are more exact and established, leaving little room for doubt or debate. Essentially, we deliberate more where there’s uncertainty and less established clarity.

This part means that we deliberate—that is, think carefully and weigh our options—on matters that typically follow a certain pattern or tendency but don't have a clear, guaranteed outcome. These are situations where there’s uncertainty or unpredictability involved. For instance, we don't deliberate about events we know will happen with certainty (like the sun rising tomorrow), but we do deliberate about choices where the result depends on complex factors or unknowns, such as how a business decision might affect the market. Essentially, deliberation focuses on areas of life where there’s room for human judgment and where outcomes can’t be fully determined in advance.

This part highlights that when faced with important or complex decisions, people often seek the help or advice of others. The reason for this is a recognition of our own limitations—essentially, we might not feel confident or capable enough to make the best choice on our own. Consulting others adds perspective and helps us navigate uncertainty or complexity, especially when the outcome isn’t clear. It reflects a kind of humility and trust in collective reasoning for matters of significance.