Nicomachean Ethics
In Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 13, Aristotle introduces his conception of “virtue.” Explain the general relation between virtue and the soul (according to Aristotle). Next, explain Aristotle’s distinction between virtues of thought and virtues of character.
Sample Answer
In Nicomachean Ethics, Book I, Chapter 13, Aristotle introduces his conception of “virtue” as a state of character that enables us to act well. He argues that virtue is a kind of mean, or balance, between two extremes. For example, the virtue of courage is a mean between the extremes of rashness and cowardice.
Aristotle also distinguishes between two types of virtue: virtues of thought and virtues of character. Virtues of thought are those that involve the use of reason, such as wisdom and phronesis (practical wisdom). Virtues of character are those that involve our emotions and desires, such as courage and temperance.