According to Aristotle, all living things have a soul with varying capacities. What capacity do humans possess?

According to Aristotle's philosophy, the concept of the soul (or "psyche") is fundamental to understanding living beings. Aristotle categorizes souls into three types based on their capacities: the vegetative soul, which enables nutrition and growth; the sensitive soul, which allows for sensation and movement; and the rational soul, which is unique to humans.

Humans possess the capacity for ethics and intellect, as they have the ability to reason, think abstractly, and make ethical judgments. This rational aspect of the soul distinguishes humans from other living beings, as it entails moral reasoning and the pursuit of knowledge. Unlike the vegetative and sensitive souls that allow for basic life functions and emotions respectively, the rational soul encompasses the ability to engage in complex reasoning and to reflect on ethical matters.

This understanding of human capacity aligns with Aristotle's view that the ultimate purpose of human life involves the exercise of reason and ethical contemplation, leading to the development of virtue and a fulfilling life. Thus, recognizing the capacity for ethics and intellect as the defining feature of the human soul provides insight into Aristotle's broader views on human nature and the moral life.