Will Derdeyn
October 17, 2007
Homer and Aristotle
I. Aristotle’s Character Types
A. Virtuous
1. Knowledge of act’s virtue
2. Act voluntarily because of its virtue
3. Fair Person
B. Continent
1. Able to make right decision, against desires
C. Incontinent
1. Able to reach right decision, succumbs to desires
D. Vicious
2. No struggle against desires or weakness of will
II. Homer’s Character: D’oh!, D’oh!, and Double D’oh!
A. Vices
1. Gluttony
2. Dishonesty
3. Lack of benevolence and justice
4. Lack of true friends
B. Practical Wisdom = “phronesis”
1. Dubious source of wisdom
2. Minimal powers of inference
3. Goals
III. Homer’s Character: The Glimmer of a Few Woo-hoos
A. Love of family
B. Courage
C. Intelligence
IV. Assessment: Judging Homer
A. Not Vicious
1. Poor environment –
2. Not malicious
B. Not Virtuous
1. Lack of stability
2. Acts against desires
3. Weakness of will
V. Conclusion: The Importance of Being Homer
A. Admirable Trait
1. Love of life
B. Not Admirable Character
1. Lack of reason
2. Unfulfilled potential for better life
3. Admirable trait ≠ Admirable person