Aristotle's Treatise on Virtues

Nichomachean Ethics on Virtue Ethics

Nicomachean Ethics is Aristotle’s most significant work on virtue ethics, where he defines virtues as character traits that lead to moral excellence and a fulfilled life. He distinguishes between two types of virtues which are moral virtues and intellectual virtues.

• Moral Virtue - concerned with character and emotions, such as courage. temperance, and justice. These virtues were developed through habituation(repeated practice of virtuous actions).

• Intellectual Virtues - Related to knowledge and reasoning such as wisdom and understanding. These virtues develop through education and rational thinking.

• Moral Responsibility - Aristotle claims that people are held responsible for every choices they make, especially whenever they have reason and intention behind that action, whereas our   involuntary actions we may be liable to pardon or pity.

Aristotle argues that virtue is a mean between two extremes—excess and deficiency. For example, courage is the balance between recklessness (excess) and cowardice (deficiency). This concept, known as the Doctrine of the Mean, emphasizes that moral virtue is about achieving balance and moderation in behavior. 

Unlike deontological ethics (which focuses on moral duties) or consequentialism(which prioritizes outcomes), Aristotle’s virtue ethics is centered on character development and moral habit formation as the path to ethical living 

Virtue in achieving Eudaimonia

Aristotle believed that the ultimate goal of human life is eudaimonia, which is best translated as "human flourishing" or "living well." Unlike pleasure or wealth, eudaimonia is a long-term state of fulfillment, achieved by living virtuously and using reason effectively.

According to Aristotle, achieving eudaimonia requires:

• Practicing moral and intellectual virtues consistently.  

• Engaging in rational thought and self-reflection. 

•  Contributing positively to society and maintaining just relationships.
  
  

A person who develops virtues and makes ethical choices not only benefits themselves but also enhances the well-being of others, making virtue ethics a holistic approach to morality. 

Essence and concept of Moral Values

Aristotle defines moral virtues as character traits that enable individuals to make ethical choices and cultivate excellence in behavior. These virtues are neither innate nor taught but are developed through experience and practice. 

Moral virtues are described as a "golden mean" between two extremes:

• Excess (having too much of a trait) → Leads to vice Ex: Recklessness  

• Deficiency (lacking a trait) → Also leads to vice Ex: Cowardice
  
  

Some key moral virtues and their corresponding "means" include: 

•  Courage – The balance between being too reckless and being too fearful.  

• Temperance – The balance between having too much pleasure and avoiding pleasure completely.

•   Generosity – The balance between giving too much and being too selfish.  

• Justice – Giving people what they deserve fairly and honestly. 

• By constantly practicing virtue, individuals develop moral character, shaping them into ethical and responsible members of society. 
  
  

Subtopic of Virtue Ethics

Virtue ethics applies to many areas of life, including leadership, business, social justice, sports, and technology. It focuses on building good character and making ethical choices, rather than just following rules. Here are some key subtopics with real-world examples: 

1. Virtue Ethics in Leadership Good leaders practice honesty, fairness, and courage. For example, Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, showed compassion and strength during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership reflects Aristotle’s idea that a leader must balance wisdom with kindness to make ethical decisions. 

2. Virtue Ethics in Business Companies that act with honesty and fairness earn public trust, while those that deceive face consequences. The Volkswagen emissions scandal is an example of how dishonesty damages a company’s reputation. In contrast, Patagonia, a clothing brand, focuses on fair wages and sustainability, showing responsibility and ethical business practices. 

3. Virtue Ethics in Social Justice Movements for justice often reflect Aristotle’s virtues of courage and fairness. Malala Yousafzai risked her life fighting for girls' education, showing bravery and determination. Similarly, the Black Lives Matter movement promotes fairness by addressing racial injustice and pushing for equal treatment. 

4. Virtue Ethics in Sports Athletes who show discipline, respect, and honesty become role models. For instance, Lionel Messi is admired not just for his skill but for his humility and sportsmanship. On the other hand, Lance Armstrong’s doping scandal shows how abandoning virtue for personal gain can ruin a career.

• Virtue Ethics in Technology New technologies raise ethical concerns about fairness and responsibility. AI systems, for example, can be biased, leading to unfair treatment in areas like hiring and law enforcement. Ethical developers must balance innovation with fairness, ensuring technology benefits society without harming individuals.