Aikin and Talisse’s Interpretations of Aristotle’s Claims

In their book Why We Argue: A Brief History of Philosophy, Aikin and Talisse offer interpretations of Aristotle’s claims that humans by nature are political creatures and that humans by nature desire to know. Their interpretations are significant because they form important steps in their argument that people should engage in public discourse and critical thinking.

Humans by Nature Are Political Creatures

Aikin and Talisse argue that Aristotle’s claim that humans are by nature political creatures means that humans are social animals who are naturally inclined to live together in communities and to participate in government. They write:

For Aristotle, politics was not simply a matter of government or law; it was about the art of living together well. He believed that humans are by nature social animals who need to live in communities in order to thrive. And he believed that politics is the process by which we create and maintain these communities.

Aikin and Talisse point to a number of factors that support Aristotle’s claim that humans are political creatures. First, they note that humans are the only animals who have language, which allows us to communicate and cooperate with each other on a complex level. Second, they note that humans have a natural sense of justice and fairness, which leads us to want to create laws and institutions that promote the common good. Third, they note that humans have a natural desire for power and recognition, which leads us to participate in politics in order to influence our communities and achieve our goals.

Humans by Nature Desire to Know

Aikin and Talisse argue that Aristotle’s claim that humans by nature desire to know means that humans have a natural curiosity about the world around them and a desire to learn and understand. They write:

Aristotle believed that all humans have a natural desire to know. He argued that we are curious about the world around us and that we have a thirst for knowledge. This desire to know is what motivates us to learn and to pursue wisdom.

Aikin and Talisse point to a number of factors that support Aristotle’s claim that humans by nature desire to know. First, they note that human babies are naturally curious and inquisitive. They are constantly exploring their environment and asking questions. Second, they note that humans are the only animals who have the ability to learn and to reason. This ability allows us to understand complex concepts and to develop new ideas. Third, they note that humans have a natural thirst for knowledge. We are always eager to learn new things and to expand our understanding of the world.

Implications for Public Discourse and Critical Thinking

Aikin and Talisse’s interpretations of Aristotle’s claims about human nature have important implications for public discourse and critical thinking. If humans are by nature political creatures and if humans by nature desire to know, then it follows that we should engage in public discourse and critical thinking in order to live together well and to pursue wisdom.

Public discourse is the process by which we discuss and debate important issues. It is essential for a well-functioning democracy. Critical thinking is the process of evaluating information and arguments carefully and objectively. It is essential for making informed decisions.

Aikin and Talisse argue that public discourse and critical thinking are essential for humans to live together well. They write:

Public discourse is essential for a well-functioning democracy. It is through public discourse that we debate important issues and come to decisions about how to govern ourselves. Critical thinking is essential for public discourse to be productive. We need to be able to evaluate information and arguments carefully and objectively in order to make informed decisions.

Aikin and Talisse also argue that public discourse and critical thinking are essential for humans to pursue wisdom. They write:

Critical thinking is essential for pursuing wisdom. We need to be able to evaluate information and arguments carefully and objectively in order to acquire knowledge and understanding. And we need to be able to think critically about our own beliefs and values in order to develop a sound moral compass.

Conclusion

Aikin and Talisse’s interpretations of Aristotle’s claims about human nature are significant because they form important steps in their argument that people should engage in public discourse and critical thinking. If humans are by nature political creatures and if humans by nature desire to know, then it follows that we should engage in public discourse and critical thinking in order to live together well and to pursue wisdom.