Phil 100A Section Handout 6
Virtue Ethics Continued
I. The Virtues
1. Aristotle’s View of the Soul
2. Virtues of Thought
The main virtue of thought is truth (correctness). Possessing this virtue yields knowledge. [I suppose the
corresponding vices would be dispositions that yield ignorance or false beliefs-perhaps forms of extreme
skepticism or credulity].
The intellectual virtues can be divided into virtues or theoretical reasoning and virtues of practical
reasoning.
Virtues of theoretical reasoning:
• Logical reasoning
• Empirical reasoning
• Sophia (wisdom)
Virtues of practical reasoning:
• Craft knowledge (means/end reasoning)
• Practical wisdom (rational evaluation of our ends…what is necessary for me to flourish?)
3. Virtues of Character
The doctrine of the mean: Virtue is the mean between two extremes.
The point is to maintain an internal environment where reason can function appropriately (optimally).
Too much or too little of any emotion (passion) could hinder one’s ability to act rationally.
