For Aristotle, what is virtue?

- Virtue is a stabled disposition or habit of character that enables a person to act well

What is the relationship between virtue and happiness?

Happiness and virtue are intrinsically linked

What does virtue have to do with self-knowledge?

Both virtue and self-knowledge allow us to discover our own best and worse characteristics

What does Edith Hall mean that there are problems with the “traditional translations” of Greek words?

Problems occur because most words imply more modern terms

What is her solution?

To translate the words aretê to excellence and eudaimonia as flourishing

What are the differences in a system that understands virtue as a mean as opposed to one that understands virtue and vice in a polar relationship?

The differences lie in whether the moral landscape is viewed as a spectrum of behavior or a binary battleground.

Why does Edith Hall spend a great deal of time discussing envy, anger, and revenge?

Views them as essential

What is the difference between Aristotle’s approach to these powerful forces?

Aristotle views these intense emotions as natural human experiences rather than demons to be suppressed

What are the three categories of virtues?

1. Excessive

2. Appropriate

3. Deficient

How do we become virtuous and acquire the various virtues? How do we know we have a virtue?

Through habituation - repeadedly practicing virtuous acts until they become a part of our charcter

• We know when performing the virtuous act is pleasurable

What would Aristotle advice if you are in a tough situation?

He would advise you to act according to the “Golden Mean”

• Aim to do the right thing