A Primer on Virtue

Aristotle, Virtue Ethics, & Human Telos

Imagine someone who is perfectly balanced. They can always cool down tense situations and they’re able to deliver even the worst news gracefully. They’re incredibly confident without breeching into arrogance, they’re always brave but never reckless, and they’re known for their generosity but never accused of being extravagant. This is someone who you and others want to be like — not for shallow reasons, but because this person has seemed to master the art of, well, being a person.

Ever meeting this kind of person might sound improbable, and becoming this kind of person yourself might seem impossible. According to Aristotle, the Ancient Greek philosopher, you’re probably right on the former but wrong on the latter. According to Aristotle, these kinds of people are rare, yes, but they do exist and we can all aspire to be what they are: virtuous.

There is an ancient and rich moral theory built upon this Aristotelian idea of virtue. Unlike most moral theories though, virtue ethics aren’t meant to tell you what to do or not to do. There is no Kantian categorical imperative or utilitarian principle of greatest good for the greatest number. No, rather than present a rule or rules, virtue ethics is entirely based on the concept of character. Aristotle did not teach his students to do A, B, and C and…