Aristotle, Anger, and Akrasia (Lack of Self-Control)

In this lecture, given as part of the Socratic Discussion Series, hosted by Felician College's Ethics Institute, I discuss some topics from a chapter of the book I'm currently writing on Aristotle and Anger. In particular, I address Aristotle's complex and perhaps inconsistent views about lack of self-control (akrasia) and how anger fits into certain types of akratic behavior or dispositions.

Several handouts from the lecture are available:

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B5WC...
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B5WC...
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B5WC...
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B5WC...
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B5WC...

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  Education

[whitesmith bonesdark]

i know many very successful , angry people in this world...and besides theyre anger at others who are angry and bitter they are very busy and useful, astrologers, politicians, lovers, business men, store owners,or just rulers/so called leaders of state...(i dont believe i need to mention names.)

[Gregory B. Sadler]

Yes, in some contexts, having a bad disposition with respect to anger might be an advantage -- though one will still be plagued by all of the problems anger tends to bring in its wake.

One of the points on which I thought Aristotle got things wrong was his insistence that we don't get angry with those who are angry with us -- our common experience does seem to go against that, no?

[whitesmith bonesdark]

by the by...i always imagine i hear a hoofing sound whenever you change your footing...like a horse or goat..hahahha

[Gregory B. Sadler]

I'm wearing a pair of dress shoes with very rigid heels, and I weigh quite a bit -- so yep, pretty noisy on that floor!

[jakelopan]

fascinating lecture. Thanks for the handout material.

[Gregory B. Sadler]

You're welcome -- glad you liked it. It was quite a good group there at Felician -- fun discussion