Aristotle, Book 2
Chapter 9 & 12 Notes
Chapter 9: To Nemesan, or Being Indignant
Definition of Being Indignant and its Relation to Other Emotions
[1] Pity and indignation both arise from the same moral character, both are of good character. Indignation is most opposed to pity. It is the counter to eliminating feelings of pity from an audience.
[2] It is right to sympathize with and pity those who suffer undeservedly. It is right to feel indignation towards those who undeservedly fare well. Whatever is contrary to deserts is unjust.
[3] Envy seems like indignation, in that it opposes pity it is different. Because it is agitated pain and directed at success of an equal and a like not of someone who is unworthy.
[4] The opposite emotional reaction is true when good things happen to those who deserve it it is right to rejoice just as it is right to rejoice when bad things happen to those who deserve it.
[5] Understanding emotions well and all of the circumstances and motivations behind them will help the rhetor counteract feelings of pity or whatever contrary emotion.
Those Toward Whom Indignation is Felt and its Causes
[6] What is being indignant? Explain
[7] Indignant equals "being distressed at the evidence of unworthy success." Which means that it is impossible to be indignant at all good things.
[8] No one will feel indignation if someone is just or brave the deserve good things.
[9] New money vs. old money argument. Old money might become indignant towards new money.
[10] More thoughts on the justice of new money having increased benefits from their newly acquired status, etc. old money is more natural and right.
[11]Indignation arises when someone who is good does not attain what is fitting, example: distinguished marriages fit the wellborn, not the newly rich.
[12] Indignation arises when someone feels someone who I not their equal has attained similar or the same advantages.
[13] Indignation arises when virtuous and serious persons witness unjust things.
[14] Indignation arises when ambitious and desirous persons desire things not worthy for others.
[15] The servile, the worthless, and the unambitious are not given to indignation because they don't regard themselves as worthy.
Chapter 12: Introduction; the Character of the Young
In this chapter Aristotle gives the stereotypical Greek view of young men as pleasure-loving, and optimistic.
Discussion on kinds of character, in terms of emotions (anger, desire, etc.) habits (virtues, vices) age of life (youth, prime, and old age) and fortune (good birth, wealth, powers, their opposites, good fortune and misfortune).
[3] The young are prone to desires and inclined to do whatever they desire especially sex
[4] The young are changeable and fickle and are quickly satisfied for they desire sharply not massively.
[5] The young are impulsive and quick-tempered, unable to resist their impulses become indignant if they feel like they've been done a wrong.
[6] Youth long for superiority. Victory over honor, they do not want for money.
[7] Basically, youth are inexperienced. They are guileless not cynical, and trusting
[8] Youth are filled with hopes, live for hope for it is the future and are easily deceived
[9] Youth are more courageous they're too young to have fear, etc.
[10] Sensitive to shame because they have been educated by convention.
[11] Youth are magnanimous for they have not yet been worn down by life think themselves worthy of great things.
[12] Youth do fine things rather than things advantageous to themselves.
[13] Youth are fond of friends and socializing they do not judge based on advantage.
[14] Youth act on excess and vehemence. [15] Youth commit wrongs from insolence not maliciousness
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