Virtual As Habit

In the second book of NE, Aristotle explicates about the acquisition of character excellence
by habituation (ethismos).Character excellence and habit are the two important terms we need
to consider here.The word character means the development of personality that resulted in the
application of virtues, while the word habit means that certain human acts are being carried out
frequently.

Two kinds of virtues:

● Intellectual virtue-this are the virtues of the mind
● Moral virtue- not innate, rather they are acquired through repetition and practice, like
learning a music instrument.
 Since our concern is more on the moral virtue ,the role of intellectual virtue complements moral
virtue.There are two classification under the intellectual virtue,the intellectual virtue of wisdom and the
intellectual virtue of understanding.The intellectual virtue of wisdom has the role of governing ethical
behaviors.In this sense,this intellectual virtue of wisdom help us what particular virtue,among moral
virtues,we need to apply under specific circumstances.

Now regarding moral virtues for Aristotle,they are not innate,that is,those virtues just flow from our
beings.These virtues are acquired through constant practice ,which in turn develops our character
excellence.That is why they are being put into action habitually or frequently.But ones we cease in
carrying out or put into disuse those virtues frequently or habitually,they will be lost from us.
Here are the excess and defects of the following virtues:

Excess or Too Much Virtues Defect or Too Little

Foolhardiness Bravery Cowardice

Shameless Modesty Touchiness

Intemperance Temperance Insensibility

Gain Justice Disadvantage

Boastfulness Truthfulness Mock modesty

Servility Dignity Disdain

 We have to take note that the exercise of the moral virtues differs from one person to
another person.For instance,let us compare the situation of a lover and a soldier.A lover who
has a feeling towards his beautiful classmate has not expressed yet his feelings towards
her.The reason for not expressing his love for the girl is that he is afraid of getting
busted.Thus he needs courage to do it.On the other hand, a soldier who has been sent for a
mission to rescue a hostage victim is also afraid to die in the line of duty.It is because he is
afraid to leave his family,wife and children behind.Thus he needs courage to do it.