Please answer the following:

A. What is Aristotle’s virtue ethics all about?

B. What is Aristotle’s “golden mean”?
C. In his theory, what is the true meaning of happiness and how one can attain it?
Discuss Aristotle's idea on Happiness along with his concept of virtue.

ANSWERS:
A. Aristotle's virtue ethics revolves around the idea that living a good and fulfilling life
is rooted in the cultivation of virtues rather than strict adherence to moral rules. At its
core lies the concept of eudaimonia, often translated as "human flourishing." For
Aristotle, achieving eudaimonia involves living virtuously and in accordance with
reason. Virtues, such as courage, justice, temperance, and wisdom, are central to this
ethical framework and are seen as habits of character that lie between extremes—a
mean between deficiency and excess. Aristotle emphasizes that virtues are cultivated
through practice and habituation, shaping an individual's moral character. The role of
reason, particularly practical wisdom, is crucial, as it guides individuals in applying
virtues to practical situations, considering context and circumstances. Aristotle
believed that by actualizing our potential as rational and social beings, and by
cultivating virtues in pursuit of our telos or purpose, we can attain eudaimonia and
lead a truly fulfilling life.

B. Aristotle's concept of the "golden mean" is a central aspect of his virtue ethics,
representing the idea that moral virtues are found as a balanced middle ground
between two extremes. This doctrine suggests that virtues lie between deficiencies
and excesses—what Aristotle termed as the "mean." For instance, courage,
 considered a virtue, stands between the deficiency of cowardice and the excess of
recklessness. The golden mean is not about aiming for mediocrity but rather finding a
balanced and virtuous approach to ethical behavior. It signifies that the morally right
action is not the same for everyone in every situation but is instead determined by a
thoughtful consideration of circumstances, guided by reason and practical wisdom.
The golden mean underscores the importance of moderation and balance in
developing virtuous character traits, highlighting that ethical excellence lies in finding
the right measure between extremes, customizing ethical behavior to fit specific
contexts, and avoiding both excessive and deficient behavior.

C. Aristotle's conception of happiness, or eudaimonia, is central to his ethical framework

and differs significantly from contemporary notions of fleeting pleasure or emotional
states. For Aristotle, happiness is the aim of human life, encompassing a deeper sense
of flourishing and fulfillment achieved through the realization of one's potential.
Contrary to a momentary feeling, eudaimonia is a state of being that arises from
living a virtuous and purposeful life. Aristotle ties happiness to the cultivation of
virtues, considering virtues as essential components of a flourishing life. Virtues, such
as courage, justice, temperance, and wisdom, represent habits of character that enable
individuals to navigate life in a balanced and virtuous manner. Aristotle posits that by
habituating oneself to act virtuously and find the mean between extremes—what he
calls the doctrine of the mean—one can develop a virtuous character. This virtuous
character, guided by reason and practical wisdom, becomes the pathway to achieving
eudaimonia. Ultimately, Aristotle argues that true happiness is not found in material
wealth, pleasure, or external achievements but in the practice of virtues, leading to a
life of ethical excellence and personal fulfillment.

Mary Keith A. De los Santos

MAVED