Isocrates, Aristotle, and Their Theories of Eunoia (Good Regard) as Precursors of Emotional Intelligence

Abstract

Modern interest in emotional intelligence (EI) stems from emotion and cognition being perceived as separate and distinctive human abilities. Although EI is related to both emotions and intelligence, it is also distinct from them in involving a primary focus on a specific area of problem solving. Long before the coinage of the term EI, Isocrates and Aristotle acknowledged the significance of taking into account the emotions of others at personal and collective levels. The overarching scheme of Isocratean rhetorical pedagogy and Aristotelian philosophy can be extrapolated, if modified accordingly and combined with eunoia (goodwill or good regard), into a nuanced system of EI, applicable to leadership as well as internal and international politics.

The close reading of selected passages from Aristotle’s works and two of Isocrates’s speeches, On the Peace and On Estate Exchange (Antidosis), prompts us to realize that Isocrates and Aristotle perceived eunoia as an interactive concept, entailing cognitive appraisal of the emotions of others. This case study encourages students to consider the interconnection between EI, Aristotle’s philosophy, and Isocrates’s educational program. Students will be asked to think how these can be applied to leadership as well as in different government settings such as internal and international politics.

This case was prepared for inclusion in Sage Business Cases primarily as a basis for classroom discussion or self-study, and is not meant to illustrate either effective or ineffective management styles. Nothing herein shall be deemed to be an endorsement of any kind. This case is for scholarly, educational, or personal use only within your university, and cannot be forwarded outside the university or used for other commercial purposes.

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