Book 6 / Chapter 11
Paragraph 3 - Natural Endowments and Practical Wisdom
Explanation - Part By Part
"This is why these states are thought to be natural endowments-why, while no one is thought to be a philosopher by nature, people are thought to have by nature judgement, understanding, and intuitive reason."
Aristotle is saying that certain abilities—like judgment, understanding, and intuitive reasoning—are considered innate or naturally given to humans, unlike philosophy, which requires intentional study and intellectual effort. In other words, while no one is naturally born a philosopher, these mental capacities are viewed as intrinsic to human nature. They are traits we associate with being human and they develop naturally as part of our growth.
"This is shown by the fact that we think our powers correspond to our time of life, and that a particular age brings with it intuitive reason and judgement; this implies that nature is the cause."
Aristotle is saying that our ability to reason and make sound judgments tends to develop naturally as we grow older. Different stages of life bring certain mental capabilities, such as "intuitive reason" and good judgment. This observation suggests that these qualities are not purely learned but are partly a result of our natural development. In other words, nature plays an essential role in shaping these abilities, which mature over time as we gain life experience.
"Hence intuitive reason is both beginning and end; for demonstrations are from these and about these."
Aristotle is emphasizing here that "intuitive reason" (or nous in Greek) acts as both the starting point and the objective in the reasoning process. Let's break this particular claim down:
1. As the Beginning: Intuitive reason provides the foundational truths or first principles from which demonstrations (reasoned arguments or logical proofs) begin. These are the basic truths we have to accept without proof in order to build any further arguments.
2. As the End: Intuitive reason also grasps the results or conclusions—specifically, those truths that are about particular, concrete realities (in practical matters) or immutable, universal realities (in theoretical matters). It's the faculty that allows us to grasp the insight or "last realization" at the end of an inquiry.
So essentially, Aristotle sees intuitive reason as the bookends of reasoning: it supplies both the starting assumptions and the ultimate understanding we're trying to reach.
"Therefore we ought to attend to the undemonstrated sayings and opinions of experienced and older people or of people of practical wisdom not less than to demonstrations; for because experience has given them an eye they see aright."
What Aristotle is saying here is that we should value and pay attention to the opinions, insights, and "sayings" of experienced, wise, or older people even if these ideas are not backed up by formal demonstrations or logical proofs. Why? Because their life experience has given them a kind of practical insight or "eye" for seeing things clearly and understanding situations in a way others might not. They've accumulated knowledge through real-life encounters and decisions, and this practical wisdom gives them a reliable perspective that is worth considering. Essentially, the combination of experience and good judgment makes their perspective valuable—even if it can't always be distilled into formal reasoning or scientific proof.
"We have stated, then, what practical and philosophic wisdom are, and with what each of them is concerned, and we have said that each is the virtue of a different part of the soul."
In this section, Aristotle summarizes and wraps up his discussion on two key types of wisdom: practical wisdom (also known as phronesis) and philosophic wisdom (or sophia). He’s reiterating that these two forms of wisdom are important but distinct, each tied to a specific aspect of the human soul. Practical wisdom is about navigating the complexities of daily life and making ethical choices, while philosophic wisdom is directed toward higher, more abstract truths—like contemplating the nature of existence or ultimate reality.
By calling them the "virtue of different parts of the soul," Aristotle is emphasizing their roles in how we think and act. Each corresponds to a particular faculty or ability in us: philosophic wisdom relates to the intellect that seeks universal, immutable truths, while practical wisdom is tied to the reasoning we use in variable, real-world situations. Together, they ensure a balanced pursuit of knowledge and action in our lives.