Aretaic Virtue

Aristotle

- Ancient Greek philosopher

- Student of plato
- Disagree with Plato’s idea of the world of ideals
- Believes that a thing that has a matter and form is real

Hylemorphism – matter and form

Deontological – nothing in the world can be conceived that could be called good without qualitifacation

Kant’s principle is anchored on epistemology

Moral excellence is not becoming a meaner nor becoming arrogant but rather finding the middle path
(mesotes)

Types of Good

1. Good-in-itself – goodness without qualification

2. Goof-for-itself – goodness for certain purpose

Essence of man

 Final purpose (telos)

Eidos (reason) defines telos (purpose) = be a man of reason

Essence

 Remains the same throughout change

How to find mesotes?

 Make use of phronesis (practical wisdom) as it will guide or help you in determining the right
person, right time, circumstances

Divisions

1. Rationalists – make use of Reason

2. Empiricists – real knowledge comes from experience
 John Locke, David Hume

MAN’S PURPOSE

 Be a man of reason

Man’s Ultimate Happiness (eudaimonia) is attained by doing the right thing