Summary of Aristotle's Ethical Theory - Virtue Ethics, Eudaimonia & The Golden Mean

00:00:00 - 00:10:00

Aristotle's ethical theory is based on the idea that there are certain character traits that are always virtues. These include courage, generosity, and truthfulness. Aristotle argues that these character traits are important for a happy life, and that a moral skeptic cannot explain why they are virtues. He does not provide any solid grounds for why these are virtues, saying only that they lead to eudaimonia.

• 00:00:00 The video discusses the ethical theory of virtue ethics, which is based on the idea that people should develop virtuous character traits in order to live a moral life. Aristotle identified eleven moral virtues, and explained that they are character traits that all humans recognize and value. He also developed the concept of practical wisdom, which is the ability of virtuous people to make informed rational decisions.
• 00:05:00 According to Aristotle, practical wisdom is the ability to act in a virtuous way, based on an understanding of what is good or bad for man. The doctrine of mean, or the golden mean, is an understanding that a virtue lies between two vices. When faced with a situation, we must use our practical wisdom to determine the virtuous action to take. Finally, Aristotle claims that in addition to following our practical wisdom and the golden mean, we must learn from other virtuous people, practice being virtuous, and strive for the best outcomes.
• 00:10:00 Aristotle's ethical theory, Virtue Ethics, is based on the idea that there are certain character traits that are always virtues. These include courage, generosity, and truthfulness. Aristotle argues that these character traits are important for a happy life, and that a moral skeptic cannot explain why they are virtues. He does not provide any solid grounds for why these are virtues, saying only that they lead to eudaimonia. Virtue Ethics is a selfish approach to ethics, concerned only with the individual's own happiness.