The Doctrine Of The Mean Flashcards
In the doctrine of the mean what are the 3 categories?
Deficiency of a virtue
Golden mean
Excess of a virtue
What is the nature of this element?
Relative
Why is the doctrine of the mean relative?
Each person needs a different amount of a virtue to develop their moral character
What is a worked example of the doctrine of the mean?
Deficiency - cowardice
Golden mean - courage
Excess - rash
Which other type of virtues is meant to help with this process?
The cardinal virtues - they act as regulators
Eg - temperance - it would be better if emotions were not part of this process
Why is the golden mean needed?
To remove the negative as aspect of each vice and provide a balance which will develop your moral character and help move towards eudaimonia
How do you work out the balance?
With phronesis (practical wisdom) through training and following role models
