Nichomachean_Ethics

Nichomachean Ethics In Aristotle's Nicohmachean Ethics the term virtue refers to a state that exists within the soul. Virtue is a state that allows one who posses it to function and act well as a whole. Aristotle also argues that every action is aimed at some good. To be a virtuous person, one must achieve a mean between extremes. If you are able to achieve this mean you will lead the virtuous life. There are two forms of virtue, intellectual and moral. Intellectual virtues are learned through teaching. Moral virtues are instilled in us from the day we are born. In book one, chapter seven, Aristotle makes it clear that in humans the true virtue of the soul is that of reason. As the text continues Aristotle goes on to argue his point and attempts to prove it through dialogue. In book one, chapter thirteen Aristotle says, "The division between virtues accords with this difference. For some virtues are called virtues of thought, others virtues of character; wisdom, comprehension, and prudence are called virtues of thought, generosity and temperance virtues of character. For when we speak of someone's character virtue, person, aristotle, virtues, virtuous, mean, being, moral, one, good, excess, deficiency, between, turn, time, through, thought, nature, must, exists, character, become, two, strive, state, reason, reach, people, life, hours, hand, example, ethics, considered, chapter