Book 3 / Chapter 3
Paragraph 3 - The Nature of Deliberation and Action
Explanation - Part By Part
"We deliberate not about ends but about means. For a doctor does not deliberate whether he shall heal, nor an orator whether he shall persuade, nor a statesman whether he shall produce law and order, nor does any one else deliberate about his end."
Aristotle is making the point that when we deliberate—that is, when we carefully think things through or plan—it’s not about what we ultimately want to achieve (the end), because that’s already decided. Instead, we deliberate about how to achieve it (the means). For example, a doctor doesn’t sit there wondering if they should try to heal a patient—that’s the obvious goal of their profession, their "end." Similarly, an orator knows their goal is to persuade, and a statesman’s goal is to create law and order. These ends are already clear and agreed upon; the focus of deliberation is on finding the best way to accomplish them.
"They assume the end and consider how and by what means it is to be attained; and if it seems to be produced by several means they consider by which it is most easily and best produced, while if it is achieved by one only they consider how it will be achieved by this and by what means this will be achieved, till they come to the first cause, which in the order of discovery is last."
Aristotle is explaining that when people deliberate or plan, they already have a clear goal or "end" in mind—they don't question what they ultimately want to achieve, but rather focus on how to get there. If there are multiple ways to achieve the goal, they weigh the options to determine which method is the most efficient or effective. If only one method exists, they analyze how that specific method will work and break it down step by step, tracing back to the first necessary action or cause. Interestingly, even though this "first cause" is what we figure out last during our planning process, it’s actually the first thing that must happen in order to accomplish the goal. In a way, we work backward to understand what needs to happen first.
"For the person who deliberates seems to investigate and analyse in the way described as though he were analysing a geometrical construction (not all investigation appears to be deliberation- for instance mathematical investigations- but all deliberation is investigation), and what is last in the order of analysis seems to be first in the order of becoming."
This part is about how people think and reason when they deliberate or make decisions. Aristotle compares the process of deliberation—the careful consideration of how to achieve a goal—to analyzing something step by step, like solving a problem in geometry.
He points out an important distinction: not all forms of investigation (like solving a mathematical problem) can be called deliberation, but all forms of deliberation involve investigation. In other words, when we deliberate, we break situations down and think through steps in a structured way, much like when we work through a logical problem.
What’s interesting is the idea that in this process, the final step we reach in our analysis—the solution or understanding of which means will work best—is often the first step in actually doing something. For example, when you deliberate about fixing a car, the last thing you figure out during your planning (let’s say, “I need this specific tool to remove a part”) will be the first thing you actually do when you start the job. Aristotle is noting this pattern in how thought and action are connected.
"And if we come on an impossibility, we give up the search, e.g. if we need money and this cannot be got; but if a thing appears possible we try to do it. By 'possible' things I mean things that might be brought about by our own efforts; and these in a sense include things that can be brought about by the efforts of our friends, since the moving principle is in ourselves."
In this portion, Aristotle is saying that when we deliberate about achieving something, we stop if we realize it’s impossible—for example, if we need money but there’s absolutely no way to get it. However, if something seems achievable, we make an effort to pursue it.
By "possible," Aristotle refers to things that can be accomplished through our own actions. This also includes actions that others—like our friends—might help us achieve, since the ultimate drive to act (or seek help) still comes from us. Essentially, the decision to try must originate from within ourselves, though collaborating with others can be part of the process. This highlights the agency and responsibility we hold in taking action toward our goals.
"The subject of investigation is sometimes the instruments, sometimes the use of them; and similarly in the other cases- sometimes the means, sometimes the mode of using it or the means of bringing it about."
Aristotle is saying that when we deliberate or figure out how to achieve something, we often focus on different aspects depending on the situation. Sometimes, we focus on the tools or resources ("instruments") needed to accomplish the goal. Other times, we concentrate on how to use those tools effectively ("the use of them"). Similarly, in other contexts, we might deliberate about the methods or actions required ("the means"), or about the specific way to carry out those methods successfully ("the mode of using it or the means of bringing it about"). This highlights how careful planning and detailed thought are necessary in different areas of action and decision-making.
"It seems, then, as has been said, that man is a moving principle of actions; now deliberation is about the things to be done by the agent himself, and actions are for the sake of things other than themselves."
This part emphasizes that human beings are the driving force behind their own actions. When we deliberate or think carefully about something, we're focusing on what we can do ourselves to achieve a certain goal. Actions, however, are not performed for their own sake but are directed toward achieving something beyond the action itself. For example, if you deliberate about fixing a leaky faucet, the act of fixing it isn’t the ultimate purpose—what you’re aiming for is a functioning faucet or some greater good (like having running water or maintaining a comfortable home). This highlights the purposeful nature of human action: it’s always aimed at achieving an end or goal outside the action itself.
"For the end cannot be a subject of deliberation, but only the means; nor indeed can the particular facts be a subject of it, as whether this is bread or has been baked as it should; for these are matters of perception."
Aristotle is emphasizing a critical point about decision-making and human action. He argues that when we deliberate, we don't focus on the ultimate goal (the "end") itself since the end is already decided or assumed as valuable—we've already determined what we want to achieve. Instead, we deliberate about the means—the best ways or steps to reach that goal.
Additionally, he explains that we also don't deliberate over obvious, straightforward facts, such as whether something in front of us is bread or if it has been properly baked. These kinds of questions are matters of sensory perception, something we determine by simply observing or experiencing, not by a mental process of deliberation.
In essence, deliberation applies to figuring out how to get from point A to point B, not to whether point B is desirable (the end goal) or whether something self-evident is true (like tangible facts).
"If we are to be always deliberating, we shall have to go on to infinity."
Aristotle is making the point here that deliberation—the process of carefully thinking through how to achieve something—has practical limits. If we were to endlessly deliberate over every detail and every step involved in achieving a goal, it would result in an infinite cycle of analysis, never arriving at an action. This would defeat the purpose of deliberation itself, which is aimed at deciding on the means to achieve an end so that we can act. Essentially, he's emphasizing the importance of knowing when to stop deliberating and start doing, otherwise nothing would ever be accomplished.