In-depth Notes on Aristotelian Science of Ethics Including Two Science Proposal (TSP)

  • Overview of Aristotelian Science of Ethics

    • The foundationalistic model presented in Aristotle's Posterior Analytics sets high standards for genuine sciences.
    • While often associated with abstract sciences (e.g., mathematics, astronomy), Aristotle also includes natural sciences (biology, physics) within the domain of science.
    • A unified account accommodating both natural and abstract sciences presents challenges.

  • Two Science Proposal (TSP)

    • Suggests Aristotle operates with two notions of science: "pure" (demonstrates what is unconditionally necessary) and "plain" (demonstrates what holds for the most part).
    • Ethics is categorized as a "plain" science, similar to other natural sciences, allowing its inclusion within Aristotelian science.

  • Comments on Scientific Knowledge

    • Scientific knowledge (epistēme) pertains to what holds always or for the most part (hos epi to polu).
    • Statements regarding chance do not fall under demonstrative sciences; thus, demonstrative knowledge is limited to necessary matters.
    • Aristotle states that scientific knowledge is not concerned with that which is contingent or chance-based.

  • Holding for the Most Part

    • A focus on the analysis of "for-the-most-part" relationships is pivotal in TSP.
    • TSP’s premise is that these relationships, while not absolute, share connections with natural occurrences.
    • Aristotle's discussion about “for-the-most-part” suggests a causal underpinning, not mere statistical correlations.

  • Statistical vs. Natural Law Interpretations

    • Some interpret statements like “probability” in statistical terms, which may not align with Aristotle's conception of necessity in scientific law.
    • Ferejohn and Reeve argue that "hos epi to polu" must go beyond a mere statistical understanding, integrating natural causal relations.

  • Necessity in Science

    • TSP asserts that for-the-most-part relations encompass a derivative form of necessity.
    • Essential claims within science relate to natural properties that can manifest or remain latent depending on conditions.
    • Propositions that hold for the most part acknowledge the potential for exceptions and must be tied to underlying causal mechanisms.

  • Probabilization

    • TSP’s view introduces a differentiation in necessity, where probabilization allows certain compounds of statements to operate within the scientific realm.
    • Nonetheless, the need for unconditional necessity as a cornerstone of Aristotelian science poses challenges for this framework.

  • Principle of Non-Interference (PNI)

    • PNI indicates that for a natural substance to fulfill its capacity, it must not encounter obstacles.
    • Such principles guide the understanding of ethical behavior under Aristotelian science, considering the natural impediments experienced by moral agents.

  • One Conception of Science with Two Types of Demonstration (TDP)

    • TDP proposes that rather than operating with two distinct notions of science, Aristotle may conceptualize one science encompassing both exact and inexact (or soft) demonstrations.
    • It opens the possibility of scientific concepts around ethics, provided that exactness can be achieved within ethical studies, allowing for for-the-most-part relations to exist within frameworks governed by ethical rules.

  • Concluding Insights

    • The analysis of 'for-the-most-part' is essential for integrating ethical studies into Aristotelian science.
    • Future examination should seek to clarify whether TSP, TDP, or alternative interpretations might more accurately reflect Aristotelian intentions regarding ethics.