Phantasia motiva vel ratio particularis

Abstract The paper discusses the role of the phantasia motiva in Albert the Great and of the vis cogitativa sive ratio particularis in Thomas Aquinas. It argues that by introducing these capabilities, Albert and Thomas propose important clarifications of Aristotle's theory of practical reason (phronesis), relying on Avicenna's account of the inner senses. The respective theories of both authors are cornerstones for their ethical theories which give much weight to account for to particular factors of any singular action.