The golden mean is a vital facet of aristotle s virtue theory so it is important that it is understood and can be easily applied to any question. Aristotle defines virtue as a habit of the self in which, when it has to choose among actions and feelings, it observes the mean relative to us, this being determined by such a rule or principle as would take shape in the mind of a person of practical wisdom and experience. Appearing in greek thought at least as early as the delphic maxim nothing to excess and emphasized in later aristotelian philosophy, the golden mean or golden middle way is the desirable middle between two extremes, one of excess and the other of deficiency for example, in the aristotelian view, courage is a virtue, but if taken to excess would manifest as recklessness, and, in deficiency. This week we explore final ethical theory in this unit. Explain the significance of the golden mean in relation to. Today, we would like to discuss about aristotle s golden mean. Aristotles ethics stanford encyclopedia of philosophy. Perfect for acing essays, tests, and quizzes, as well as for writing lesson plans.
Moral virtues are not in our nature, but nor are they contrary to our nature, which is adapted to receive them. A dead simple guide to aristotle s philosophy of golden mean the golden mean philosophy was proposed by greek philosopher aristotle. Aristotelian virtue ethics is an agentcentred theory in virtue of a primary focus on. The virtues that surround aristotle s ethics are to be found within the golden mean, which involves finding the balance between two means. You could have a vice of excess or one of deficiency. The basic principle of the golden mean, laid down by aristotle 2,500 years ago is moderation, or striving for a balance between extremes.
Aristotle believed that being morally good meant striking a balance between two vices. The aristotle s theory of golden mean is extracted from virtue ethics, which concerns with the building of good character. Furthermore, every ethical virtue is a condition intermediate a golden mean as it is popularly known between two other states, one involving excess, and the other deficiency 1106a26b28. Furthermore, every ethical virtue is a condition intermediate a golden mean as it is. Hank explains the golden mean, and how it exists as the midpoint. It places the emphasis on high character and not on duty or seeking good consequences. Learn exactly what happened in this chapter, scene, or section of aristotle 384322 b. Moral virtues are not in our nature, but nor are they contrary. Aristotles ethics, the nature of happiness and the golden. In this respect, aristotle says, the virtues are no different from technical skills. This does not mean that first we fully acquire the ethical virtues, and. It was in the second chapter of his nicomachean ethics, where he talks of moderation as a virtue.
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