Aristotle’s Doctrine of “the Golden Mean”
Aristotle’s Doctrine of “the Golden Mean”
The Doctrine of “the golden mean” is developed by Aristotle in the second book of the Nicomachean Ethics. The mean in question is not a mathematical mean but rather a point on a scale that lies between two extreme positions that stand for insufficient and excess of a virtuous value. There are two forms of virtues that have been described by Aristotle. The first type is moral virtues, which originate from character while the second type is intellectual virtues that stem from having knowledge of a situation and what the situation demands (Johnston, 2006).Aristotle states that mean originates from moral values. This does not imply that the mean lies between two states. Using an example of courage, it is not true to say that the location of the moral virtue of courage is between cowardice and rashness. Rather, a courageous individual acts according to the mean following the demands of a given situation. Essentially, Aristotle attempts to illustrate the ability to do appropriate actions at appropriate times. The role of the mean is therefore to direct a moral action. On the importance of moral values, Aristotle states that in order to achieve happiness, living in a morally virtuous way is imperative. Happiness as outlined by Aristotle is the highest state of being that is experienced by individuals who are morally virtuous (Westra, 1998).
Happiness is often achieved by living in a state that is morally virtuous. Hence happiness is subjective because individuals living according to moral virtues are always right in approximating whether they are happy or not happy. Life that is engaged in physical happiness is not virtuous because wealth and pleasures deceive humans into virtuous behaviors and activities. Aristotle gives a guide toward living a life that is morally virtuous with the Doctrine of the golden mean. There is a warning for people not to be controlled by physical happiness. An individual has to avoid the extreme in order to develop a virtuous character. Humans should take note of the pitfalls into which they are likely to fall. Additionally, it is essential for people to protect themselves against pleasant things and pleasure. Individuals can have the best chance of hitting the mean by following the above guidelines formulated by Aristotle. Though Aristotle does not oppose the fact that pleasure is part of happy life, he notes that pleasure is not a happy life. A life that is consumed by pleasure is not a happy of due to the fact that human beings are not utilizing reason (Marshall, 2004).Another point that Aristotle notes is the fact that deficiencies and excesses destroy moral qualities while the mean preserves these qualities. While pleasure induces people to behave badly, pain induces people to deviate from the right actions. In order to be virtuous, an individual has to act in a particular sate, have knowledge of the action done, choose the action for its own sake and do it from a disposition that is permanent and fixed. The mean that is relative to use is considered to be the best mean (Rescher, 2006).
Aristotle further states that there is relativity between the mean and the object. This means that the mean is relative to the object, and it entails an element that is evaluative. Introducing the evaluative elements enables one to contextualize the fact that mean is relative to us. A general specific course of action to take in order to act morally is not what defines the mean. It is totally impossible to reduce morals into mere universal principles. Something that which “all things aim” is what is considered to be the “Good”. The highest of all practical goods is the good, which is achieved via a mean (O’Donohue & Ferguson, 2003).I therefore believe that Aristotle’s doctrine of “the golden mean” is a useful practical guide to virtuous conduct. This is due to the fact that it holds that “good” is an end in itself. Additionally, it equates human goodness with human rationality. As it is well known, rationality is considered to be a unique human quality. Rational beings have a high likelihood of making rational choices and living a virtuous life. Clever and wise people have knowledge of the best means to any end. The doctrine gives a clear guide to the path of virtue whereby, individuals must have knowledge of what they are doing, choose an act and choose it for its own sake and finally do the act from a permanent or fixed position (Westra, 1998). Moreover, individuals are required to portray appropriate feelings at the right time. The feelings must be on appropriate grounds and towards appropriate individuals for the right intentions and in the right manner. An individual who acts morally in every day life and every situation is said to lead a good life (Warburton, 2001). It is therefore evident that Aristotle’s doctrine of the golden mean serves as an important and practical guide to moral actions and behavior.
References
Johnston, D. (2006). A Brief history of philosophy. Continuum International Publishers
Marshall, T. (2004). Aristotle’s Theory of Conduct. Kessinger Publishing
O’Donohue, W., & Ferguson, K. (2003). Handbook of professional ethics for psychologists. SAGE Publications
Rescher, N. (2006). Studies in Value Theory. Ontos Verlag
Warburton, N. (2001). Philosophy. Routledge
Westra, L. (1998). Living in integrity. Rowman and Littlefield
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