What characterizes the incontinent man?

The incontinent man, in philosophical terms, is often described as someone who recognizes what is right and knows what virtue entails, yet fails to act accordingly due to a lack of self-control. This internal conflict leads to a sense of dissatisfaction and regret over his inability to align his actions with his understanding of virtue.

The key characteristic of the incontinent man is this awareness and subsequent dissatisfaction—he is aware of his weakness to control his desires, which results in feelings of remorse for his actions. This aligns closely with the idea that the incontinent individual experiences a struggle between rational thought and overpowering urges, leading to a lack of fulfillment and contentment with himself.

In contrast, the other options do not adequately capture the essence of the incontinent man. A virtuous person is characterized by consistent moral behavior, which is not applicable here. Acting wrongly out of strength implies a sense of justification or power in one's actions, not regret or weakness. Being satisfied with one's desires contradicts the essence of incontinence, which involves dissatisfaction with one's lack of control. Thus, the defining trait of the incontinent man is indeed the dissatisfaction stemming from his weakness, making that the correct characterization.