Aristotle Hierarchy

Cultivated physicians and those who love research appreciate nature and claim that they derive their principles from it, while those wise individuals who have studied nature end up with medical principles – Aristotle (On Respiration 476a9)

Aristotle places a high value on the lungs (pneumonia in Greek). After explaining that their name is derived from “pneuma” (spirit), he moves on to the issue of heat. During stressful and anxious situations, the amygdala needs to learn that it is safe and that escape is not necessary. To maintain control and direction over the body and strategic objectives. The amygdala must be exposed because it only learns through experience.

Exposure Hierarchy:

  • A rank-ordered list of steps that need to be faced sequentially to learn new responses to a specific situation 
  • During each exposure, it is vital not to leave the situation in fear 
  • The goal is to eventually accomplish each step
    • Staying in each situation until anxiety diminishes or decreases preferably in half
  • Break down a specific anxiety-provoking situation into smaller components 
  • Begin by facing those that are least anxiety-provoking 

The basic prior plan is to schedule the exposure, repeat and reward after surmounting each step.  Do not forget to have a stable aerobic exercise, as it can ease anxiety.

 

It seems that the sufferings of the soul are connected to the body as well – anger, gentleness, fear, pity, courage, joy love, and hatred – because along with them, the body also suffers. (Aristotle on the Soul I 15)

 

Interpretation

  • Often shaped by past experiences and expectations 
  • Being aware of the interpretation during stressful situations and considering the possibility of modifying them – can begin to take charge of the emotional reactions to cortex causes 
  • Work to think through the situation
  • Identify the ideal way to interpret 

Excessive exercise is healthier than a complete lack of exercise and closer to moderation, while, on the contrary, when it comes to diet, deficiency is closer to moderation than excess. Therefore, optional habits, such as physical exercises, improve health either one does a little more exercise than necessary or he does a little less.  The person who will be opposed and will not follow the path of moderation and will resist rationality, will not do any exercise and thus will not put himself to any exertion, wholly surrendering to the languor of softness. And this happens because, by nature, we are not equally far from moderation in all things, and we prefer pleasure more and work less. Aristotle, Eudemian Ethics ) 

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