What Is Aristotle S Concept Of The Golden Mean

In aristotle s philosophy virtue is a state of being a state apt to exercise deliberate choice being in the relative mean determined by reason and as the person of practical wisdom would determine.

In mathematics the mean is the average value of a bunch of numbers. But beyond that it places an absolute value on the middle way which often conflicts with moral obligation. The golden mean or golden middle way is the desirable middle between two extremes one of excess and the other of deficiency. Unfortunately aristotle doesn t really tackle that.

For example the mean of the numbers 6 23 43 4 and 13 is 17 8. According to aristotle s ethical rule about the golden mean to use a thing with virtue is a kind of moderation as it leads the particular thing being in a good condition and allows for its functions to be performed in a proper manner. Aristotle defined virtue as the desirable middle ground between two extremes the golden mean. Practicing virtue is a practice of intellectual reason.

The golden mean is a vital facet of aristotle s virtue theory so it is important that it is understood and can be easily applied to any question. Aristotle show more content he first states that the balance needed for a good person to be in. The main problem with the golden mean is that it makes a god of averageness if you moderate everything should you not also moderate being moderate. You add all the numbers together and divide that sum by the number of numbers viz five.

RELATED ARTICLE :

• what is the proton gradient in cellular respiration
• what is the order of the twilight books
• what is the price of silver per gram

Aristotle believed that the good life lived from exercising capacity to reason. Furthermore every ethical virtue is a condition intermediate a golden mean as it is popularly known between two other states one involving excess and the other deficiency 1106a26 b28. It appeared in greek thought at least as early as the delphic maxim nothing to excess and emphasized in later aristotelian philosophy for example in the aristotelian view courage is a virtue but if taken to excess would manifest as recklessness and in deficiency cowardice. Aristotle believed this was the best way to live in society as.

Consider that you are fighting. What does aristotle exactly mean when he is saying that virtue is a mean. Aristotle defines the doctrine of the virtue golden means as between the extremes of excess and deficiency which can be known as a middle point. The virtues that surround aristotle s ethics are to be found within the golden mean which involves finding the balance between two means.

Aristotle s golden mean is a lens through which we can consider human virtues and vices. Aristotle s concept of the golden mean use these triads or others you add to the chart as a way of analyzing a major character s personal strengths and weaknesses. Aristotle did not promote virtue in itself as being ethical though. The golden mean is a means of assisting a person in practicing good character as they strive to make it second nature.