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Single Idea 24329

[catalogued under 20. Action / A. Definition of Action / 2. Duration of an Action]

Full Idea

A human being is a starting point of actions.

Gist of Idea

The starting point of an action is a human being

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1112b31)

A Reaction

[Thomson translates as 'originating cause'; Ross has 'moving principle'; Irwin has 'a principle'] 'Starting point' has the minimum ontological commitment. This no more implies free will than the start of May does. It is just how we individuate actions.

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Nicomachean Ethics', ed/tr. Reeve, C.D.C. [Hackett 2024], p.41