Aristotle's Virtue Ethics
- John Doe
- March 15, 2024
- 2 mins
- Philosophy
- ancient ethics
Aristotle, one of the most influential philosophers in history, developed a framework for ethics that is both practical and aspirational: virtue ethics. At its core, this philosophy asks not “What should I do?” but “Who should I become?”
The Golden Mean
Central to Aristotle’s virtue ethics is the concept of the Golden Mean, the idea that virtue lies between two extremes:
| Virtue | Deficiency (Vice) | Excess (Vice) |
|---|---|---|
| Courage | Cowardice | Recklessness |
| Generosity | Stinginess | Extravagance |
| Humility | Arrogance | Self-deprecation |
For instance, consider courage: it is neither the absence of fear (cowardice) nor reckless bravery, but the balance that enables wise action.
“Moral virtue is a mean between two vices, one of excess and the other of deficiency.” – Aristotle
Practical Application
Aristotle’s ethics are grounded in practice. To develop virtues, he argued:
- Act Habitually: Virtue is cultivated through repeated actions.
- Learn from Exemplars: Observe those who embody the virtues you seek.
- Deliberate: Reflect on your choices to align them with virtuous goals.
A Modern Example: Generosity
Imagine you want to practice generosity:
- If you hoard resources out of fear, you fall into stinginess.
- If you give recklessly without considering consequences, you verge on extravagance.
- The virtuous path lies in thoughtful giving that sustains both you and the recipient.
The Role of Reason
Aristotle saw reason as humanity’s highest faculty and the key to flourishing. He argued that living virtuously involves aligning our actions with rational thought, leading to a life of eudaimonia—often translated as “flourishing” or “living well.”
Why Aristotle Still Matters
Aristotle’s ethics remain relevant because they focus on the character of the individual. In an age of rules and algorithms, his call to cultivate inner virtues resonates as a timeless reminder that true happiness stems from who we are, not just what we do.
To live ethically, according to Aristotle, is to strive for balance in all aspects of life. As we navigate modern challenges, his insights encourage us to pursue wisdom, integrity, and compassion. Further Reading
- Nicomachean Ethics: Aristotle’s foundational text on virtue ethics.
- The Golden Mean in Practice: Case studies on applying Aristotle’s framework.
- Modern Virtue Ethics: Contemporary interpretations and critiques.