Alertness and Determination: a note on moral phenomenology

Abstract The ability and willingness to bring one's attention and determination to bear on moral situations are of central importance in moral education. Various ways in which a person may succeed or fail in doing this are considered, in the light of Aristotle's ‘practical syllogism’, and a rough classification is suggested. It is advocated (a) that a fuller classification be attempted, and (b) that teachers and parents share with young people their understanding of typical practical syllogisms.