A Primer on Virtue

Aristotle, Virtue Ethics, & Human Telos

Imagine someone who is perfectly balanced. They can always cool down tense situations and they’re able to deliver even the worst news gracefully. They’re incredibly confident without breeching into arrogance, they’re always brave but never reckless, and they’re known for their generosity but never accused of being extravagant. This is someone who you and others want to be like — not for shallow reasons, but because this person has seemed to master the art of, well, being a person.

Ever meeting this kind of person might sound improbable, and becoming this kind of person yourself might seem impossible. According to Aristotle, the Ancient Greek philosopher, you’re probably right on the former but wrong on the latter. According to Aristotle, these kinds of people are rare, yes, but they do exist and we can all aspire to be what they are: virtuous.

There is an ancient and rich moral theory built upon this Aristotelian idea of virtue. Unlike most moral theories though, virtue ethics aren’t meant to tell you what to do or not to do. There is no Kantian categorical imperative or utilitarian principle of greatest good for the greatest number. No, rather than present a rule or rules, virtue ethics is entirely based on the concept of character. Aristotle did not teach his students to do A, B, and C and avoid X, Y, and Z in order to be good people. Instead, he taught that if we focus on becoming good people, then A, B, and C will effortlessly follow and X, Y, and Z will be naturally repelled. In other words, become a good person by being virtuous and you will do good things.

So, how can you be a good person?

Human Telos

Aristotelian virtue ethics are a result of Aristotle’s belief that humans have a fixed nature, a natural essence. This is the telos of human beings, the end that we aspire to. In order to flourish as human beings we must adhere to that essence and strive for that telos. Aristotle called this idea “proper functioning”, claiming that everything has a function and goodness is found in the extent that functions are fulfilled.

Think of this concept in terms of objects that we can create. For example, the telos (or function) of a knife is to cut. Therefore, a sharp…