Question

Give an example of a virtue, and explain, using Aristotle’s doctrine of the mean, what makes this thing a virtue. According to Aristotle, how can one acquire this virtue?

Answer 1

According to the doctrine of the mean, virtue is a mean state between extremes of excess and deficiency. In order words, moral behavior is the moderate position between two extremes - at one end is excess, at the other deficiency. If we were to consider the virtue of honestly as an example, an excessively honest individual can cause hurt to others because she may fail to censor even her unpleasant thoughts and ideas. On the on other hand, an individual lacking complete honesty cannot be considered morality as she can never be trusted. In Aristotle’s view, a virtue is acquired through extensive habit and practice, akin to the maintenance of good health.