Stoa Conversations: Stoicism Applied Introduction to Aristotle's Golden Mean (Episode 184)
May 20, 2025
Dive into Aristotle's fascinating concept of the golden mean, where virtues like courage find balance between extremes. Discover how his views on ethics differ from Stoicism, emphasizing the importance of emotions alongside actions. Explore his tri-partite soul framework and the role of habituation in developing virtues. The conversation highlights the complexity of moral decision-making and the need for practice in cultivating a good life, making ancient wisdom relevant for modern audiences.
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Happiness Requires Virtue Habituation
- Aristotle sees happiness as the ultimate goal, achievable only through human excellence or virtue.
- These virtues are developed like skills, through practice and habituation, not innate knowledge.
Virtue Is a Balanced Mean
- Virtue is a mean between two extremes, such as courage being between cowardice and rashness.
- Feeling the right emotions during actions matters as much as doing the right thing.
Practice Virtue Until Natural
- Aim to cultivate virtues so that correct actions feel natural and pleasurable, not forced or distressing.
- Practice virtuous acts repeatedly until they become an ingrained and joyful disposition.
