Aristotle's Doctrine Of The Mean '

Aristotle Essay Aristotle’s doctrine of the mean is concerned with how our virtuous actions or feelings are dispersed in the right amount toward others. Aristotle defines the mean as, “The “equal” part is something median between excess and deficiency” (42). Simply put the division of a part into two equal halves leaves an equal portion on the left and an equal portion on the right. The median does not allow one side to have more than the other side or one side to have less than the other side. Aristotle is applying the same principle to our use of virtues, and we should search for a median in our use of virtuous actions specifically with courage. Why do we need to seek the median of our virtuous actions? What is the Mean of actions? Aristotle states, “By the median relative to us I understand an amount neither too large nor too small, and this is neither one nor the same for everybody” (42). What is median for one individual is not the median for another individual. An example would be if an incredibly rich individual were to donate a portion of money versus very poor individual donating money to a charity. Clearly the very rich
His explanation is very good if we understand the action has two extremes, a low and a high. The Doctrine of the Mean searches to find the middle ground in the action or emotion. This is helpful in everyday situations we encounter. Learning to use the mean amount of courage in everyday activities is still relevant. To stand in front of a class and give persuasive speech about a controversial topic takes courage. Learning the correct amount of courage is important. Too much courage and the speech can become offensive to the audience; however, too little courage and the speech will seem like the speaker does not care. Learning the correct or median amount of courage is