Though the below TED talk on the social psychology of motivation does not mention Aristotle, I cannot help but think of Aristotle's distinction, as explained in Nicomachean Ethics, between intrinsically fascinating behaviors ("activity" [praxis, energia:]) and extrinsically motivated, reward-based behaviors ("doing" [kinesias, poesias:]). The former, said Aristotle, are superior because they are
Published on November 06, 2009 10:07