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Aristotle On Virtue
Aristotle On Virtue
“Virtue lies in our power, and similarly so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it
is also in our power not to act...” ― Aristotle, Nichomachean Ethics
Aristotle considered two kinds of reasoning. These are theoretical and practical
reasoning. Theoretical reasoning gives us knowledge of fixed principles or philosophical wisdom
while practical reasoning gives us a rational guide to our moral action under particular
circumstances in which we find ourselves, and this is practical wisdom. What is important about
the role of reason is that without this rational element, we would not have any moral
capacity. However, Aristotle believed that goodness is in us all potentially. Aristotle argued that
moral virtues do not arise by nature. Morality for him is developing habits, the habits of right
thinking, right choice, and right behavior (Stumpf and Fieser, 2003). In carrying out a morally
virtuous life, one needs the intellectual guide of practical wisdom in steering the self toward the
right choices and actions (Bulaong, Jr. et.al., 2018).
Aristotle believed that a person’s act is directed to a particular purpose, aim, or goal. The
Greeks called it telos. It may be the reason, purpose or objective of one’s action. For instance, one
pursues college for a particular purpose. For Aristotle, these are not the chief good that people
should aim. Aristotle believed that human beings have a highest goal, which is the highest purpose.
It is happiness, which the Greeks called eudaimonia. We choose honor, power, fame, money
because they are instrumentality or means towards happiness.