Aristotle: on Virtue Education

Abstract

As Aristotle has it, the activities of man are of three kinds: theoretical (seeking knowledge), practical (regulating conduct) and productive (making things). The second, the practical, type of activity is in the field of ethics. The ethics of Aristotle shows that, as the realm of Nature as a whole seems to be drawn toward some ideal, human beings also are drawn toward a highest end for man. What he is drawn is his highest well-being, the perfection of his nature or realization of his possibilities, eudaemonia or happiness. This is the supreme good, which is aimed at in all virtuous living. It is attained by the rule of reason in life and reason counsels moderation in all things. Each spesific virtue is a mean between two extremes, as courage is a mean between cowardice and foolhardiness. At this point, human beings are responsible beings to the extent that they can make choices and regulate their lives. Especially they must have a rational attitude toward pleasures, choosing the best and keeping them in their proper place. In this context, Aristotle gives a fascinating discussion about friendship that is necessary for our life. Friendship is also a kind of soul activities expressing virtue. So Aristotle’s ethics were basically naturalistic: human good is defined by human nature. Aristotle sought the define the good for humans in terms of what the human organism in fact naturally seeks, namely, happiness. Hence, this paper is interested in Aristotle’s philosophy of education which is based on largely on his ethical ideas as well as virtue.