Concept and definition of golden mean

The Golden Mean

Aristotle's Concept and Definition of the Golden Mean

Since virtue finds itself lying in the balance between two extremes, namely deficiency and excess, Aristotle's "Golden Mean" is a theory of ethical virtue. This "mean" is not an arithmetic division but rather an ethical response determined by practical wisdom. Courage, for example, lies in between cowardice and recklessness. What might be right in a particular situation for a specific person might differ from someone else. This is an essential principle for moral life in the Nicomachean Ethics, which guides moral decisions.

The Golden Mean as Guiding Principles in the Development of Virtue

The Golden Mean is a guiding principle for the formation of a virtuous character; it is the very scheme and arrangement for ethical nurture. The individual is continually attempting to hit the right mean in many situations as he conditions himself to develop his behavior towards his virtuous dispositions. Constantly endeavoring to balance between these extremes forms the moral person and produces ethical conduct. It is not merely a matter of avoiding extremes, but it provides for an active cultivation of the mean within the virtuous disposition. Hence the Golden Mean which would teach a rule to follow becomes a way to attain moral excellence.

Examples of Moral and Ethical Dilemmas and the Golden Mean

Honesty:

 The term mean straddles the line between honest brutality and silent deceit; this entails truthful communication, admittedly tempered by the considerations of context and possible damage.

Generosity: 

The mean lies between deficiency, or frugality, and excess, or extravagance; hence it means giving an appropriate amount according to one's own means condition and the need of the recipient.

Anger: 

The mean lies between indifference and rage: Justly provoked anger should be expressed rationally, with the assailant unequipped to take them seriously.

The Golden Mean's equivalents exemplify balancing individual interests with the well-being of society at large-and the averting of various extremes-and hence the elevation of virtue.

Practical Wisdom and Moral Decision-Making

Practical wisdom (phronesis) is closely related to moral decision-making, yet these are two separate ideas. Practical wisdom can be defined as the intellectual virtue of knowing what is good to do in any particular instance and is conditional on a theoretical understanding of ethical principles and practical experience. The moral decision-making process is the application of ethical principles plus practical wisdom to the particulars of a moral predicament, resulting in an ultimate choice of action. In short, practical wisdom animates moral action-making; it is the skill and the judgment that informs the action-making processes themselves. One is the capacity; the other is its application.

Criticisms of the Golden Mean

Critics argue that the Golden Mean is too subjective, lacking clear guidelines for determining the "mean" in complex situations. The concept struggles to address situations where both extremes might be morally objectionable, offering no clear path to virtue. Cultural relativism poses a challenge, as the "mean" might vary across different societies and contexts. Furthermore, some argue that the Golden Mean oversimplifies ethical dilemmas, neglecting the complexities of moral decision-making. Finally, the emphasis on moderation might fail to account for situations demanding decisive action, even if it means choosing one extreme over another.