University of Groningen
Akrasia as a character trait Snellen, Paulien Juliana
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Publication date: 2018
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Snellen, P. J. (2018). Akrasia as a character trait. University of Groningen.
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Propositions
belonging to the PhD dissertation
Akrasia as a Character Trait
by
Paulien Snellen
1. Akrasia especially poses a problem in everyday life when it is recurrent. 2. Each of the three strategies for dealing with the logical puzzle about
how strict akratic action is possible faces an inherent difficulty that is impossible to overcome entirely.
3. Regarding akrasia as a character trait has clear advantages over regarding akrasia as a type of single and isolated action.
4. Aristotle holds that akrasia as a character trait is stable and long-lasting in a way that is similar to epilepsy: its characteristic negative aspect – its disharmonic nature – is only present in the temporary and occasional symptoms (that is, akratic actions) of the character trait.
5. Aristotle’s discussion of akratic action in Nicomachean Ethics VII.3 has received extensive attention, but his discussion of akrasia in VII.4-10 is just as significant, for it is here that he draws up a moral hierarchy of character traits. Vice is the worst, followed by akrasia.
6. The situation of the akratēs is tragic: by the age at which this type of person comes to disapprove of how he typically acts, his behavioral tendencies are likely to have already firmly taken shape.
7. It is plausible that the akratēs can be held morally responsible for his akratic actions, in part because he reflects on and disapproves of his akratic behavior.
8. Character education should be part of the school curriculum from as early as possible.
9. A work on akrasia that has been completed without any procrastination is suspicious.
10. Even though it may be hard to change your akratic character, you should never stop trying: against all odds, you might succeed.
