Book 7 / Chapter 9
Paragraph 5 - Analogy in Moral Character
Explanation - Part By Part
"Since many names are applied analogically, it is by analogy that we have come to speak of the 'continence' the temperate man; for both the continent man and the temperate man are such as to do nothing contrary to the rule for the sake of the bodily pleasures."
Aristotle is pointing out that we sometimes use terms in a way that draws comparisons or parallels (this is what he means by "analogically"). Here, he discusses the relationship between two types of people—the continent man and the temperate man—and explains that both are guided by a "rule" or principle when it comes to resisting excessive bodily pleasures (like overeating, overdrinking, or indulgence in physical desires). Both types of people manage to avoid giving in to these pleasures in a way that's against moral or rational guidelines.
So, both are similar in that they maintain control and don’t break the "rule" for the sake of physical gratification. However, as Aristotle elaborates further in the next lines, there are important differences between the two.
"The former has and the latter has not bad appetites, and the latter is such as not to feel pleasure contrary to the rule, while the former is such as to feel pleasure but not to be led by it."
Aristotle is making a distinction between two types of people: the continent man (former) and the temperate man (latter). Both of them behave according to what is morally right or "the rule" when it comes to bodily pleasures, but the key difference lies in their inner struggles.
- The continent man does have bad or excessive desires—he feels tempted by pleasures that go against the rule. However, he exercises self-control and doesn't let those desires dictate his actions. In other words, he feels the pull of temptation but resists it.
- The temperate man, on the other hand, doesn't even struggle with such bad or excessive desires in the first place. His appetites are in harmony with the moral rule, so he doesn't even feel pleasure in things that are contrary to it. Thus, his behavior comes more naturally and without internal conflict.
So, while both live according to the rule and avoid wrongdoing, the temperate person does so with ease, while the continent person does so through effort and resistance.
"And the incontinent and the self-indulgent man are also like another; they are different, but both pursue bodily pleasures- the latter, however, also thinking that he ought to do so, while the former does not think this."
Here, Aristotle is contrasting two types of people who both seek bodily pleasures: the incontinent man and the self-indulgent man. While they share a tendency to prioritize physical pleasures (like food, drink, or other sensory satisfactions), there’s an important difference in their mindsets.
- The self-indulgent man not only chases after bodily pleasures but also believes it is the right thing to do. In other words, he justifies or rationalizes his behavior, thinking, "This is how life should be lived—seeking pleasure."
- The incontinent man, on the other hand, doesn't delude himself with such beliefs. He knows that pursuing bodily pleasures excessively is wrong or inconsistent with the "rule" (i.e., a rational, virtuous way of living), but he still gives in to his desires due to a lack of self-control.
So, the difference is a matter of awareness and internal conviction: the incontinent man struggles between what he knows is right and what he does, while the self-indulgent man doesn't even see the problem with his actions.