IS IT POSSIBLE TO EDUCATE EMOTIONS?

Abstract

This paper treats the possibility of educating the emotions because they are capable to listen and obey the reason. The study is based on the proposals of the Nicomachean Ethics, resorting, when necessary, to the De Anima and the Rhetoric, texts that devoted attention to the emotions. To defend this proposal, the investigation starts from Book I of the EN, which indicates the possibility of desiderative ability to hear and obey to the reason. Therefore, we realize that Aristotle does not intend to exclude non-rational elements to a ethical life, but is more concerned to find ways that can reconcile soul capacities and feel emotions in the right amount, with the right things, at the right times, in direction to whom it is appropriate. This interpretation is possible because the philosopher understands the soul as something composed, putting the emotions, which belongs to the desiderative in contact with the rational part of the soul. Consequently, it is necessary to understand that Aristotle proposes that soul´s parts when associated combine the proper exercise of all its capacities, allowing the virtues to exist. This interpretation is viable because the non-rational faculties can be linked to the rational part, and it can touch the emotion, from its awakening until when it is moderated with the aid of practical reason.