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Single Idea 54

[from 'Nicomachean Ethics' by Aristotle, in 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 1. Virtue Theory / a. Nature of virtue ]

Full Idea

Virtuous acts are not done justly or temperately because of their quality, but because they are done in a certain way.

Clarification

'Virtue' here is the Greek word 'areté', which also translates as 'excellence'

Gist of Idea

Actions are not virtuous because of their quality, but because of the way they are done

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1105a29)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.97


A Reaction

These seems to be the contrast between correct behaviour because of a cold sense of duty (sometimes associatied with Kant), and the pleasure of acting with true virtue.