Single Idea 23913

[catalogued under 18. Thought / A. Modes of Thought / 3. Emotions / g. Controlling emotions]

Full Idea

Pretty much all of the praiseworthy or blameworthy states concerned with character are either excesses, deficiencies, or medial conditions in feelings.

Gist of Idea

Nearly all the good and bad states of character are concerned with feelings

Source

Aristotle (Eudemian Ethics [c.333 BCE], 1233b16)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Eudemian Ethics', ed/tr. Reeve, C.D.C. [Hackett 2021], p.48


A Reaction

Suggests that the ideal state of character is the result of long and careful tuning of the feelings - insofar as we can control them. Presumably we can train feelings of hatred or compassion, by appropriate exposures. These states are NOT virtues.

Related Idea

Idea 4379 It is very hard to change a person's character traits by argument [Aristotle]