1. Michael Lacewing enquiries@alevelphilosophy.co.uk
Aristotle on virtue
Michael Lacewing

2. Virtue
A virtue (arête) is a trait of mind or character that helps us achieve a good life (eudaimonia)
Intellectual virtues
Moral virtues (traits of character)

3. What is a moral virtue?
Aristotle: a moral virtue is a state of character by which you ‘stand well’ in relation to your desires, emotions and choices:
A character trait is a disposition relating to how one feels, thinks, reacts etc. in different situations, e.g. short-tempered, generous
A virtue is a disposition to feel, desire and choose ‘well’

4. The doctrine of the mean
Virtues and virtuous actions lie between ‘intermediate’ between two vices of ‘too much’ and ‘too little’
Compare eating too much/little
Not arithmetical
‘to feel [desires and emotions] at the right times, with reference to the right objects, towards the right people, with the right motive, and in the right way’
This is Aristotle’s ‘doctrine of the mean’
But this is not the same as ‘moderation’ on all occasions

5. Practical wisdom
Practical wisdom – an intellectual virtue – helps us know what the right time, object, person, motive and way is
To feel ‘wrongly’ is to feel ‘irrationally’
A virtue, then, ‘a state of character concerned with choice, lying in the mean, i.e. the mean relative to us, this being determined by a rational principle, and by that principle by which the person of practical wisdom would determine it’

6. Virtues and vices Passion/concern Vice of deficiency Virtue
Vice of excess
Fear
Cowardly
Courageous
Rash
Pleasure/pain
‘Insensible’
Temperate
Self-indulgent
Money
Mean
Liberal (‘free’)
Prodigal
Important honour
Unduly humble
Properly proud
Vain
Small honours
‘Unambitious’
‘Properly ambitious’
‘Overambitious’
Anger
‘Unirascible’
Good-tempered
Short-tempered
Pleasant to others
Quarrelsome
Friendly
Obsequious
Shame
Shy
Modest
Shameless
Attitude to other’s fortune
Spiteful
Righteously indignant
Envious

7. Acquiring virtues
We acquire virtues of character through the habits we form during our upbringing.
Virtues can’t simply be ‘taught’ – there are no moral child prodigies
We are not virtuous ‘by nature’, but become virtuous by practising
Like learning to play a musical instrument
So we become just by doing just acts

8. Virtuous action How can we do just acts unless we are already just?
‘in accordance with’ justice vs. fully just acts
A fully virtuous action
know what you are doing
choose the act for its own sake
choose from a firm and unchangeable character
As we become just, we understand what justice is and choose it because it is just

9. Two contrasts Is strength of will virtuous?
Aristotle: No. A virtuous person doesn’t have to overcome temptation.
Is eudaimonia the moral life?
Aristotle’s idea is wider, e.g. we should have ‘proper pride’ and seek honour (vs. Christian humility and self-sacrifice)