Nichomachean Ethics

Book III, chs. 6-11

A very nice definition of virtue:
Virtue is a state [of character] involving rational choice, consisting in a mean as determined by right reason.
Virtue, then, is a mean between two vices, one of excess, the other of deficiency (NE 1107a1-3).
Comments on the above definition:
(1) Notice that Aristotle says that virtue involves rational choice. This should make us immediately
think of deliberation since rational choice (action) is the final step in that process.
(2) Virtue is determined not by just anyones reason, but by those who have right reason, i.e., by those
whose reason is fulfilling its function to know what is true and good.

Two Kinds of Virtue:

(1) virtues of character ( also called the ethical virtues) [from ethos: habit or character]

What do they refer to? Virtues of character refer to the well-ordered relation between the three
elements of your character: (1) reason, (2) appetites, and (3) action.

How are they learned? Virtues of character are first learned by habit (repeated actions) and then
when we reach the age of reason, we can understand why these actions are good and desire them
for their own sake.

Examples: bravery, temperance, generosity, justice, kindness, prudence, truthfulness, modesty

(2) virtues of thought (also called the intellectual virtues)

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What do they refer to? Virtues of thought only refer to when reason is fulfilling its function the
obtainment of knowledge.

How are they learned? Virtues of thought are learned via intellectual study.

Examples: Understanding first principles of a science, logical thinking, discerning the true from
the false, making correct judgments

Referring back to the definition of virtue, we can see that it also tells us how to find it:
Virtue is a state [of character] involving rational choice, consisting in a mean as determined by right reason.
Virtue, then, is a mean between two vices, one of excess, the other of deficiency (NE 1107a1-3).

Examples of the Virtues of Character

For every virtue, Aristotle contrasts two vices:
one vice errs to excess and the other errs on the side of deficiency.

Template:
Virtue is the Mean between Two Extremes
Excessive Vice-----Virtue-------Deficient Vice

(1) Bravery must deal with feelings of fear and confidence

Rashness----Bravery-----Coward
(excessively confident)
(lacks fear)

(Courage)

(lack of confidence)
(too much fear)

-The rash only appears to be brave. He fails to fear things he should fear.
-The brave fears what should be feared but still stands firm against it for the sake of the good. Note: The
brave person does not seek out pain or danger, but is willing to undergo it for the sake of what is good.
-The coward fears things that he should not.

(2) Feelings of Pleasure

Intemperate-------Temperance--------------Insensible
(Self-Indulgent)

(does not desire pleasure enough)

-Self-indulgent have an inordinate attachment to pleasure. They choose pleasure over more noble goods.
-Temperate people enjoy the right amount of pleasure and the right kind.
-Insensible people do not enjoy pleasure enough and unnecessarily forego pleasure.