Aristotle believed that virtue, or excellence of character (arete), was the key to human happiness (eudaemonia). He identified two types of virtue - intellectual virtues related to our professions, and moral virtues common to all humans. Moral virtue is developed through habituation starting in childhood. The virtuous mean between two extremes is the balanced, correct course of action. Achieving moral virtue through consistently choosing the mean requires good character, which in turn requires good habits developed over a lifetime.

1. Aristotle
Virtue Ethics

2. Aristotle
 Born in 384.
 From the
northwestern
edge of the
Greek Empire in
Stagira.
 Father was
physician to
King Amyntas of
Macedonia.

3. Two Moral Perspectives
The Question of Action:
 What should I do? How ought I to act?
The Question of Character
 What kind of person ought I to be?
Aristotle’s concern is with the question of
character

4. Aristotle’s Ethics
Good is that at which
all things aim.
The proper function
or excellence of a
things is its arete
(virtue).
The human arete or
virtue is activity of the
soul in accordance
with virtue (over a
lifetime).

5. Human virtue (Arete)
It can not be simply living and growing—
trees do that as well.
It can not be related to characteristics we
share with animals.
The quality that seems distinctively human
is the use of reason. “The function of man
then is activity of soul [thinking well and
doing well] in accordance with reason.”

6. Human virtue (arete)
 Humans can have two kinds of virtue:
 Intellectual virtues: these relate particularly to our
professions, i.e., they will differ for a truck driver, cook,
lawyer, farmer, doctor, etc.
 Moral virtues: This virtue is common to all humans, but it
may vary in degree according to our capacities. Moral
virtue “is the outcome of habit; its name, ethike, is derived
from ethos, habit. So the difference between one and
another training in habits in our childhood is not a light
manner, but important, or rather, all important.”
 Both intellectual and moral virtues are needed for
us to achieve happiness (eudaemonia)

7. Happiness: The Self-sufficient End
Most of the ends (goals) we seek are
instrumental steps toward some ultimate
goal.
Aristotle identifies happiness
(eudaemonia) as that which we seek as a
goal that is an end in itself.

8. Happiness: The Self-sufficient End
Happiness comes from developing a good
character.
A good character comes from the development
of good habits.

9. Good Character
People have a natural
capacity for good
character, but it must be
developed through
constant practice. Good
leaders (parent and
civic leaders) are
necessary to guide us in
the development of
good habits.
Happiness
Good Character
Good Habits
Good Actions
Good thoughts

10. Good Character
Virtuous thoughts lead to good acts
Virtuous acts (following the Mean) can
lead to good habits
Good habits make for a good character
A good character can be happy
Business and Professional Ethics
application: We should ask, “Will this act
help lead me to be the person I should be?
Will I be a person of good character”

11. Virtue (arete) as the mean, the correct
balance
The mean is the right balance between
two extremes, the extreme of excess and
the extreme of deficiency.
Examples:
 Deficiency Mean Excess
 Cowardliness courage rashness
 Humility pride vanity
 Stingy givingspendthrift

12. Virtues and Spheres of Existence (Dev.(c) By L.M. Hinman)
SphereofExistence Deficiency Mean Excess
Attitude toward self Servility
Self-deprecation
Proper Self-Love
Proper Pride
Self-Respect
Arrogance
Conceit
Egoism
Narcissism
Vanity
Attitude toward
offenses of others
Ignoring them
Being a Doormat
Anger
Forgiveness
Understanding
Revenge
Grudge
Resentment
Attitude toward
good
deeds of others
Suspicion
Envy
Ignoring them
Gratitude
Admiration
Over
indebtedness
Attitude toward our
own offenses
Indifference
Remorselessness
Downplaying
Agent Regret
Remorse
Making Amends
Learning from them
Self-Forgiveness
Toxic Guilt
Scrupulosity
Shame
Attitude toward
our friends
Indifference Loyalty Obsequiousness

13. Virtue (arete) as the mean (inbetween)
The mean varies according to individuals
The mean of courage is different for a
marine, a college student, and an eight-
year old child.
The mean of charitable giving is different
for a billionaire, a college teacher, and a
student.

14. Actions & Emotions Without a Mean
“There are some [actions/emotions] whose
very name implies wickedness.”
For example: “malice, shamelessness,
and envy among the emotions and
adultery, theft, and murder among the
actions.”

15. The Difficulty of Being Good
“That is why it is so hard to be good; for it
is always hard to find the mean in
anything.”
“That is why goodness is rare and
praiseworthy and noble.”