Θεωρία
theory, contemplation
Translated by Marcelo Boeri10 Dec 1999Vetting: high5 revisions
Translation
Theory/contemplation [is] more worth choosing than practice/action, [because] its activity has to do with what is more valuable; for action is related both to what should be done and to what depends on us, but contemplation concerns divine matters; and since it belongs to the most valuable part of the soul. In fact, intellect, whose activity [is] also theory, [is] the most valuable faculty of the soul.
Greek original · Adler’s text
Θεωρία αἱρετωτέρα πράξεως, τὸ εἶναι περὶ τὰ τιμιώτερα τὴν ἐνέργειαν αὐτῆς· ἡ μὲν γὰρ πρᾶξις περὶ τὰ πρακτέα τε καὶ ἐφ' ἡμῖν ἡ δὲ θεωρία περὶ τὰ θεῖα· καὶ ἐπειδὴ τῷ τιμιωτάτῳ τῆς ψυχῆς γίνεται. τιμιώτατον γὰρ ὁ νοῦς τῶν τῆς ψυχῆς δυνάμεων, οὗ ἐνέργεια καὶ θεωρία.
Betacode
*qewri/a ai(retwte/ra pra/cews, to\ ei)=nai peri\ ta\ timiw/tera th\n e)ne/rgeian au)th=s: h( me\n ga\r pra=cis peri\ ta\ prakte/a te kai\ e)f' h(mi=n h( de\ qewri/a peri\ ta\ qei=a: kai\ e)peidh\ tw=| timiwta/tw| th=s yuxh=s gi/netai. timiw/taton ga\r o( nou=s tw=n th=s yuxh=s duna/mewn, ou(= e)ne/rgeia kai\ qewri/a.
Notes
- Alexander of Aphrodisias, Commentaries on Aristotle's Topica 236.21-26 Wallies.
For theoria and praxis see also theta 215 and theta 216.
Linked from2 entries
- θ215Θεωρία καὶ πρᾶξιςtheory and practiceThe former is the theoretical [activity] of the intellect, the latter is its practical [activity]. Now the practical [activity] itself gets conclusions by reasoning out of a condition related to the body. Consequently,…
- θ216Θεωρίαtheory, contemplationContemplation is the fulfillment of a priesthood which does not belie its name; but contemplation and action do not consent to occur together. For an impulse [is] an impulse of actions; but no [action is] impassive.
Neighbouring entries
Revision history5 revisions · last 1 Jan 2013
- Revised — David Whitehead
- added cross-reference — Catharine Roth
- cosmetics — Catharine Roth
- added note and keyword; cosmetics — David Whitehead
- supplemented and modified translation — Catharine Roth
- Translated — Marcelo Boeri