ETHICS

Here, Aristotle is emphasizing that practical wisdom (phronesis) is primarily about action—it’s about using knowledge to make decisions that lead to good outcomes in real-life situations. The "two forms" he’s referring to relate to knowing general principles (universals) and understanding specific details (particulars). While both are important, he hints that understanding the specifics of a situation (the "latter") might be even more vital when it comes to practical action. Why? Because action happens in specific contexts, and without a grasp of the particulars, general knowledge can’t be effectively applied. For example, knowing that exercise is generally good for health doesn't help much if you don’t know which exercises suit a specific person's condition.

This part highlights the idea that within both practical wisdom (focused on action and decision-making in real-world situations) and philosophical wisdom (focused on higher truths and theoretical understanding), there is a need for an overarching or "controlling" kind of wisdom. Aristotle is pointing out that wisdom, whether practical or philosophical, shouldn't just exist in a fragmented or unfocused way. There must be a guiding principle or higher order of wisdom that organizes and directs these forms of knowledge toward meaningful goals and the ultimate good for humans. Essentially, it emphasizes the importance of having a clear sense of purpose or overarching insight to guide both action and thought.