Adam Elmansouri
9/11/23
Summary
This text stressed that there were two types of virtue: intellectual virtue and moral virtue.
Intellectual virtues. According to the text, we are all born with some kind of potential for
virtue, but we have to behave the right way in order to become a virtuous person. Virtue
must be practiced. An example of the virtue described in the text is seen in everyday
pain and pleasure. An apparent non virtuous person would feel pain when deprived of
food for a day, while the virtuous would be happy to have to abstain from cravings.
Aristotle proposes three rules in order for us to live a “virtuous” life. First, avoid the
extreme that is farther than the mean. I took this to mean that you should try to be
similar to most things in society, and not stray off to any extreme sides. second, notice
what errors we are particularly susceptible to and avoid them diligently. This one was
very easy for me to understand as it is straightforward- understand and learn from your
mistakes/weaknesses. Third, be wary of pleasure, as it often impedes our judgment,
also very straightforward. By following these three rules, one can be sure they are on
the right track to living a virtuous life.
Questions
Is everyone's reality of virtue the same?
What is so bad about experiencing the pains and pleasures of life?
Why does Aristotle consider happiness to be an activity?
