Single Idea 23911

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / h. Right feelings]

Full Idea

Each virtue makes its possessor tend to despise great things that are contrary to reason - for example, courage does this of dangers, …a temperate person of many pleasures, and a generous one of many sorts of wealth.

Gist of Idea

Possessors of a virtue tend to despise what reason shows to be its opposite

Source

Aristotle (Eudemian Ethics [c.333 BCE], 1232a37)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Eudemian Ethics', ed/tr. Reeve, C.D.C. [Hackett 2021], p.45


A Reaction

I like the observation that the generous tend to despise wealth, implying that those who love wealth tend to lack generosity. Christianity has encouraged us to reject the idea of despising anything - but that seems to iron out common sense values.