Ep. 363: Franz Brentano's Moral Epistemology (Part One)

Franz Brentano's "Psychology from an Empirical Standpoint" is a seminal work in the history of psychology, offering a comprehensive and influential approach to the field. Brentano's emphasis on intentionality, the directedness of consciousness towards objects, revolutionized the understanding of mental phenomena. The book explores various aspects of mental life, including perception, judgment, and emotion, providing a detailed analysis of their structure and function. Its impact extends beyond psychology, influencing philosophy and the development of phenomenology. Brentano's work continues to be studied and debated, shaping contemporary discussions in cognitive science and philosophy of mind.

Published in 1890, 'The Principles of Psychology' is a two-volume work that lays the groundwork for understanding psychological phenomena through a scientific lens. William James discusses the relationship between mental processes and their underlying physical conditions, introducing key concepts such as the 'stream of consciousness,' the James–Lange theory of emotion, the importance of habit, and the concept of will. The book is based on James's classroom lessons and avoids metaphysical explanations, focusing instead on empirical observations and physiological processes. It has been influential in shaping the field of psychology and continues to be relevant today.

The Nicomachean Ethics is Aristotle's most renowned work on ethics, focusing on the science of the good for human life. The text is divided into ten books and discusses the concept of eudaimonia, often translated as 'happiness' or 'flourishing,' which is achieved through living a virtuous life. Aristotle argues that eudaimonia is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue, emphasizing the importance of reason, moral virtues, and the pursuit of excellence. The work also explores the division of the soul, the role of rationality in human life, and the ultimate goal of human activity, which is to achieve happiness through virtuous actions and a complete life.