UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO · JAPAN
Aristotle's Theory of Akrasia: Understanding the 'Incontinent Person'
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Interpretation of Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, Book VIICore Text
- Analysis of 'akrasia' (incontinence) and 'akratic action'Key Concepts
- Distinction between 'hasty' and 'weak' incontinent individualsTypology
- Exploration of the role of desire in clouded judgmentPsychological Aspect
- Focus on character development and 'entrenchment of bad character'Ethical Significance
This research delves into Aristotle's concept of 'akrasia,' or incontinence, as presented in his Nicomachean Ethics. Akrasia describes the tendency to act against one's better judgment due to desire. The paper aims to interpret Aristotle's arguments on this topic and explore its philosophical significance. The central question is how akratic actions occur, particularly given the assumption that rational agents do not willingly perform actions they know to be bad. Aristotle's approach involves a linguistic analysis of terms like 'knowing' and 'being ignorant' to understand the state of knowledge of an incontinent person at the moment of action. The research distinguishes between different types of incontinent individuals and clarifies the role of desire in temporarily clouding rational judgment. Ultimately, the study argues that Aristotle's focus on the character of the incontinent person, rather than solely on the act itself, offers valuable insights into the 'entrenchment of bad character.' It suggests that repeated actions against one's principles can lead to a loss of self-control, highlighting the importance of consistent virtuous behavior.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the eligibility criteria for the Aristotle's Theory of Akrasia PhD programme?
- Applicants must be citizens of an ADB member country, under 35 years old on June 30, 2026, and not currently serving in the military. You must also agree to return to your home country after completing your studies and not be currently living or working abroad. A superior academic record and at least two years of full-time professional experience in health/medical science are required.
- How do I apply for this PhD programme and what are the deadlines?
- Applications are managed by the Graduate School of Medicine. You need to review their admission guidelines and submit an online application with required documents by June 30 for an April intake. For the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program, this deadline is also June 30.
- What are the language requirements for international students?
- International students must demonstrate English proficiency by providing an Official Score Report for TOEFL iBT or a Result Verification System for IELTS.
- What does the Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) cover?
- This full scholarship covers round-trip travel, entrance and tuition fees, a monthly subsistence allowance of 147,000 Yen, and other allowances.
- What is the main focus of the Aristotle's Theory of Akrasia PhD research?
- This research delves into Aristotle's concept of 'akrasia' (incontinence), examining how individuals act against their better judgment due to desire, and explores the philosophical significance of his arguments, particularly concerning character development.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degree or equivalentSuperior academic record. For applicants with a Master's degree from their home country completed within 16 years of schooling, it may be considered equivalent to a Japanese Bachelor's degree.
Professional working experienceAt least two years of full-time professional experience in health/medical science after graduation (internship not included).
TOEFL iBTOfficial Score Report required
IELTSResult Verification System required
Applicants must be citizens or nationals of an ADB member country. Age must be below 35 years on June 30, 2026. Not military personnel. Must agree to return to home country after completion of studies. Must not be living or working in a country other than their home country. Must be in good health. Preference for women and candidates with lesser financial capacity (family income not exceeding US$50,000/year, individual income not exceeding US$25,000/year). Program does not support applicants who have previously studied abroad or are pursuing a second master's degree. ADB staff and relatives are ineligible.
Fees
Tuition (international)Covered by scholarship
Tuition (home)Covered by scholarship
Living147,000 Yen per month (subsistence allowance)
Scholarship covers round-trip travel, entrance and tuition fees, subsistence allowance, and other allowances.
How to apply
1. Check Program EligibilityEnsure you meet the academic and professional experience requirements for the Master's or PhD program.
2. Review Admission GuidelinesVisit the Graduate School of Medicine's website for detailed admission guidelines, application procedures, and specific deadlines for your chosen program.
3. Prepare Application DocumentsGather all required documents, including academic transcripts, degree certificates, English proficiency test scores (TOEFL iBT or IELTS), a curriculum vitae, and any other specified forms.
4. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the online application form along with all supporting documents by the specified deadline. For the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program, the deadline is June 30 for an April intake.
5. Online InterviewSelected candidates will be invited for an online interview as part of the admission process.
6. Await Admission DecisionAdmission decisions will be communicated following the review process and interviews.
Scholarships
Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)Covers round-trip travel, entrance and tuition fees, subsistence allowance (147,000 JPY/month), and other allowances.
ITO Foundation for International Education ExchangeNot specified
Government of Japan (MEXT) ScholarshipNot specified
Frequently asked questions
What are the eligibility criteria for the Aristotle's Theory of Akrasia PhD programme?
+
Applicants must be citizens of an ADB member country, under 35 years old on June 30, 2026, and not currently serving in the military. You must also agree to return to your home country after completing your studies and not be currently living or working abroad. A superior academic record and at least two years of full-time professional experience in health/medical science are required.
How do I apply for this PhD programme and what are the deadlines?
+
Applications are managed by the Graduate School of Medicine. You need to review their admission guidelines and submit an online application with required documents by June 30 for an April intake. For the ADB-Japan Scholarship Program, this deadline is also June 30.
What are the language requirements for international students?
+
International students must demonstrate English proficiency by providing an Official Score Report for TOEFL iBT or a Result Verification System for IELTS.
What does the Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) cover?
+
This full scholarship covers round-trip travel, entrance and tuition fees, a monthly subsistence allowance of 147,000 Yen, and other allowances.
What is the main focus of the Aristotle's Theory of Akrasia PhD research?
+
This research delves into Aristotle's concept of 'akrasia' (incontinence), examining how individuals act against their better judgment due to desire, and explores the philosophical significance of his arguments, particularly concerning character development.