μῦθος / Plot

6) binary options

Gerald Else provides a useful graphic visualization to illustrate Aristotle consideration of the binary options of action or not, and of acting in ignorance or with full knowledge.  In the case of Greek tragedy, the actions under consideration are the violent acts Aristotle refers to as tragic acts (παθήματα), and the state of ignorance is factual ignorance - hamartia.

act or not

option1 option2 option3 option4a option4b

Among the two situations that Aristotle finds viable, recognition is then added into the mix of tragic acts and ignorance.  In one case, it takes place before the tragic act is completed.  In the preferred case, it comes after.

In ranking the options according to the emotional involvement they evoke, Aristotle clearly prefers the last two alternatives.