More on Aristotle "De Anima" 414a 4-14

Abstract

ARISTOTLE IS ONE of those philosophers who are remarkably sensitive to subtle similarities and contrasts between different aspects of reality; he is well aware that careful attention to detail is mandatory for the descriptive metaphysician.' In cases where a commentator accuses Aristotle of confusion in his argument, we should therefore always be prepared for the possibility that the accusation is mistaken, because the commentator does not possess the same sensitivity and awareness. Ross, in commenting on De Anima 414a 4-14, accuses Aristotle of becoming entangled in the coils of his own logic.2 Professor Rosamund Kent Sprague, in her valuable paper Aristotle, De Anima 414a 4-14,3 brings out clearly that there is more going on in this passage than Ross seems to realize, and that a blunt charge of confusion will not do. Her main point is that Pvx'n has two distinguishable aspects, not one only, and that Aristotle is concerned to allude to both here; Ross charges Aristotle with confusion because he has overlooked this duality. It seems to me that Professor Sprague has seen the way in which the passage in question should be handled. I am not, however, altogether happy about every detail of her account, and the purpose of this paper is to discuss the passage further.