Aristotelian View of the Mean and Its Contemporary Significance

Abstract: According to the theory of the doctrine of the mean proposed by Aristotle, virtue is a kind of the mean between two sorts of evils (one is excess and the other is deficiency). The theory is so important that generates insight for us in our daily behaviors. Thus, this paper tries to draw a clear picture of what the theory is in the first part, and in the second part, the way to find the mean is suggested, and in the third part, the contemporary significance of the doctrine of the mean on our behaviors are illustrated. In the last part, a conclusion is made.

Key words: the meanAristotle

The concept of the mean has a key position in ethics of Aristotle. It is through this concept that Aristotle makes his virtue theory not only connect with practical life while go beyond transcendentalism of Plato, but also remain the certainty of virtue while surpass relativism of sophists.

1.The basic thought of aristotelian view of the doctrine of the mean

Aristotle claims that all actions have three trends: two of them are evils, i.e. excess and deficiency; the other is the doctrine of the mean. He believes that virtue is a kind of the mean between two sorts of evils (one is excess and the other is deficiency). Excess and deficiency are inherent to evil while the mean is inherent to virtue. Then, what on earth is the doctrine of the mean Aristotle means？

He thinks the mean is appropriate. He says there are two reasons why virtue is so-called the mean. Firstly, because virtue is the midpoint between the two evils, one of which is excess, and the other is deficiency. Secondly, the two evils can not exceed or reach a suitable amount in terms of emotions or actions. On the other hand, virtue can discover and choose a suitable amount. Here, Aristotle at first affirms that the mean is between excess and deficiency. Besides, he makes clear that the mean is not necessarily right in the middle between the two evils. Instead, the mean takes up an appropriate proportion. However, he also points out that not all the actions or emotions have a moderate degree.

2.Method of the mean

According to Aristotle, the object of the application of the doctrine of the mean is continuous and divisible. He believes there are three different amounts as more, less and equal in such things. However, how much is the middle amount?

In everything that is continuous and divisible it is possible to take more, less, or an equal amount and that either in terms of the thing itself or relatively to us; and the equal is an intermediate between excess and defect. By the intermediate in the object I mean that which is equidistant from each of the extremes, which is one and the same for all men; by the intermediate relatively to us that which is neither too much nor too little- and this is not one, nor the same for all.

This mean is not the middle in arithmetic, but a suitable place under the guidance of practice wisdom. If it is reflected in the method of selecting the middle point, the mean is “ought to.” Namely, “ought to be at the perfect time, in the right situation, to the right object, for the right purpose, by the appropriate way, which is the mean. This is the best, and it belongs to virtue.” Of course, the standard is from an objective point of view, rather than custom of the subject or temporary feeling.

3.The contemporary significance of the theory

In modern society, especially in China, it seems not worth repeating the mean any more. Nowadays, we are encouraged and motivated to be the first in any kind of competitions, regardless of one’s capability and interest. Therefore, it is of great importance to pay attention to the doctrine of the mean again. But first, how to find the mean?

1). The way to find the mean

There are some problems to get over if you''re thinking of living your life according to the doctrine of the mean, however. Firstly, how do you find the mean? Aristotle makes it clear that he is not talking about a mathematical middle, but the perfect intermediate point with regard to us.

The same thing goes with the mean. The perfect point might be closer to excess, or closer to deficiency. Aristotle has made clear that the intermediate is relative to us rather than an absolute amount. What’s more, as for ethic issues, we ought to have negative feelings at the right time, on the right occasion, toward the right people, for the right purpose and in the right manner.

2). Virtuous character and habit

Even if you do manage to find the mean, it''s not enough just to follow it. Aristotle says the actions won''t be truly virtuous. You have to keep doing the right thing so that your character can become good, through training, and only then will your good deeds actually be good! In other words, habit plays a vital role in forming virtuous character and eventually conducting virtuous behavior according to the doctrine of the mean.

It is known that habit does make all the difference to our lives Just as Aristotle points out:

Aristotle thinks that virtue, then, being of two kinds, intellectual and moral, intellectual virtue in the main owes both its birth and its growth to teaching (for which reason it requires experience and time), while moral virtue comes about as a result of habit, whence also its name (ethike) is one that is formed by a slight variation from the word ethos (habit).

4. Conclusion

The theory of the mean, which states that virtue is a point between two vices, is still influential in moral philosophy today.

The theory of the mean is one of Aristotle''s best-known pieces of ethical thinking. It can be found in his book The Nicomachean Ethics. It is at once strikingly simple and fiendishly difficult. In a nutshell, Aristotle said that virtues are a point of moderation between two opposite vices.

We learn the theory of the doctrine of the mean in order to better our behavior in a virtuous way and eventually pursue happiness. As for the way to act in our daily life according to the mean, there is no specific method. However, we ought to adhere to the principle that we‘d better have negative feelings at the right time, on the right occasion, toward the right people, for the right purpose and in the right manner. For this end, it is necessary for us to be habituated to form a virtuous character. Besides, we should be aware that the mean is relative us, and we are advised that our action depends on various situations.

Reference:

[1] Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics [Z]

[2] 任继琼 亚里斯多德的“中道学说”辨析 [ J] 深圳大学学报 2009年第3期