Single Idea 21420

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / f. The Mean]

Full Idea

If the mean between prodigality and avarice is supposed to be one of degree, then one vice would pass over into the opposite vice only through the virtue. So virtue would simply be a diminished, or rather a vanishing vice.

Gist of Idea

If virtue is the mean between vices, then virtue is just the vanishing of vice

Source

Immanuel Kant (Metaphysics of Morals II:Doctrine of Virtue [1797], 432 I.I)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'The Metaphysics of Morals', ed/tr. Gregor,Mary [CUP 1991], p.228


A Reaction

Interesting, but not convincing. Doesn't the thought equally show that vice is a vanishing virtue? Aristotle gives the example of the quantity of food we eat, which obviously passes from starvation to appropriate diet to gluttony.

Related Idea

Idea 60 The mean is relative to the individual (diet, for example) [Aristotle]