back to ideas for this text


Single Idea 43

[from 'Nicomachean Ethics' by Aristotle, in 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / d. Teaching virtue ]

Full Idea

Moral virtues are neither by nor contrary to nature; we are constituted to receive them, but their full development is due to habit.

Clarification

'Nature' is the Greek word 'physis'

Gist of Idea

Nature enables us to be virtuous, but habit develops virtue in us

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1103a21)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.91


A Reaction

The notion of the habit of virtue is hugely important, precisely because such an idea is missing in Hobbes, Bentham and Kant. The concept of a true 'lady' or 'gentleman'.