The Golden Mean

WHAT IS THE GOLDEN MEAN  The path of the middle way between the vices of excess and deficiency  He explained this is not numerically constant but rather is about finding the right amount at the right time dependant upon circumstance.  People discover what the golden mean for a particular virtue is and how to act according to it by watching and learning from good role models and by training and developing the virtue until it becomes an automatic way of living and behaving and part of a person’s character.

A PERFECT ROLE MODEL  They are not all ‘perfect people’ but they challenge us to go beyond the minimum, to aspire to ‘moral heights’ and to see what can be achieved.  Of course, people can learn both good and bad habits depending on the role models they have. Aristotle believed that it was the moral duty of every citizen to act as a good role model. This was especially true for people who were most likely to be in the public eye, since these people had so many eyes on them.  Who are the role models in contemporary society?  When asked, many celebrities (sports figures, actors, musicians) state that they don't want to be role models.

CHRIS BROWN (1989)  An American recording artist, dancer and actor. He taught himself to sing and dance at a young age and was involved in his church choir and several local talent shows.

 Aristotle would argue with these celebrities who do not wish to be a role model that this is not a choice a person can make. Since these people are so prominent in our society they are role models and should take this responsibility seriously.

MODERN EVIDENCE THAT PROVES IMITATING ROLE MODELS WORKS?