When it comes to defining human excellence, Aristotle’s philosophy is a great place to start.
His ideas on virtue, morality, and happiness have been studied and debated for centuries.
Aristotle believed that excellence was not just about being good at something, but about finding the right balance between two extremes.
He also believed that intellectual excellence was just as important as moral excellence.
In this article, we will explore Aristotle’s definition of human excellence and how it can be applied to our lives today.
So, let’s dive in and discover what Aristotle had to say about what it means to be excellent as a human being.
How Does Aristotle Define Human Excellence
According to Aristotle, human excellence is all about finding the right balance between two extremes. He believed that virtue, or excellence, is the mean between two excesses determined by a rational principle which a person of practical wisdom would follow.
This means that excellence is not just about being good at something, but about finding the right balance between excess and defect in regard to a feeling or action as the practically wise person would determine it.
Aristotle also believed that there were two types of excellence: intellectual and moral. Intellectual excellence requires the accumulation of experience and knowledge over time through qualified teachers. Moral excellence, on the other hand, comes about as a result of habit.
Aristotle’s Ethics of Excellence is based on the idea that happiness (or eudaimonia) is an activity of the soul in accordance with excellence. While Aristotle focuses extensively on excellence of character, that is not the only excellence of the human soul. In particular, Aristotle argues that excellence of intellect is also extremely valuable for our happiness.
Aristotle’s Philosophy On Virtue And Morality
For Aristotle, virtue and morality are closely intertwined with excellence. In fact, he believed that excellence and virtue were one and the same thing. Aristotle’s philosophy on virtue and morality is based on the idea that virtues are habits that we develop over time through repeated practices. These habits form in us character qualities or propensities to act in a certain way in a given situation.
Aristotle believed that there were two types of excellence: intellectual and moral. Intellectual excellence requires the accumulation of experience and knowledge over time through qualified teachers. Moral excellence, on the other hand, comes about as a result of habit. According to Aristotle, moral virtue is the only practical road to effective action.
Aristotle’s concept of the mean is often misunderstood. In the Nichomachean Ethics, Aristotle repeatedly states that virtue is a mean. The mean is a state of clarification and apprehension in the midst of pleasures and pains that allows one to judge what seems most truly pleasant or painful. This active state of the soul is the condition in which all the powers of the soul are at work in concert.
Achieving good character is a process of clearing away the obstacles that stand in the way of the full efficacy of the soul. For Aristotle, moral virtue is about finding the right balance between two extremes, determined by a rational principle which a person of practical wisdom would follow.
Finding The Balance: Aristotle’s Concept Of The Golden Mean
One of the key concepts in Aristotle’s Ethics of Excellence is the Golden Mean. This theory suggests that human excellence lies in finding a balance between two extreme states: excess and deficiency. Aristotle believed that the mean was the best way to live in society, as extremes of character are unhelpful.
For example, someone who is too assertive can cause others to lose their confidence, while someone who lacks assertiveness may not be able to stand up for themselves or others when necessary. The virtue of assertiveness is found in the middle ground between these two extremes.
Aristotle believed that the mean was not a fixed point, but rather a flexible concept that depended on the situation. For instance, what constitutes a mean for one person may not be the same for another person. Therefore, Aristotle argued that practical wisdom (phronesis) was necessary to determine the right balance in each situation.
The Golden Mean applies to both moral and intellectual excellence. In terms of moral excellence, Aristotle believed that virtues such as courage, generosity, and honesty were all found in the middle ground between excess and deficiency. For example, courage is the mean between cowardice (deficiency) and rashness (excess).
Similarly, intellectual excellence requires finding a balance between excess and deficiency. For instance, excessive curiosity can lead to distraction and lack of focus, while deficient curiosity can lead to ignorance and lack of knowledge. The virtue of curiosity is found in the middle ground between these two extremes.
The Importance Of Intellectual Excellence In Aristotle’s Definition Of Human Excellence
Aristotle believed that intellectual excellence was a crucial aspect of human excellence. He argued that the ability to reason and deliberate over courses of action was the defining quality of humans, and thus developing intellectual virtues was essential for achieving eudaimonia, or happiness.
According to Aristotle, there are three types of intellectual excellence: scientific knowledge, practical wisdom, and intuitive reason. Scientific knowledge refers to understanding universal principles and laws, while practical wisdom involves the ability to apply these principles to specific situations. Intuitive reason, on the other hand, is the ability to grasp fundamental truths without the need for logical deduction.
Aristotle believed that developing these intellectual virtues was not only valuable for personal happiness but also for the greater good of society. He argued that individuals who possessed these virtues would be better equipped to make sound decisions and contribute positively to their communities.
Applying Aristotle’s Philosophy To Modern Life
Applying Aristotle’s philosophy of excellence to modern life can be a challenging task, but it is not impossible. One way to do this is by recognizing that excellence is not just about achieving success, but about finding the right balance in all aspects of life.
For example, in the workplace, excellence can be achieved by finding the right balance between working hard and taking breaks. It is important to work hard and be productive, but it is also important to take breaks and recharge in order to maintain one’s mental and physical health.
In personal relationships, excellence can be achieved by finding the right balance between individual needs and the needs of others. It is important to take care of oneself and pursue personal goals, but it is also important to consider the needs and feelings of others in order to maintain healthy relationships.
Furthermore, Aristotle’s philosophy of excellence emphasizes the importance of habit in achieving moral excellence. This means that by consistently practicing good habits, such as honesty, kindness, and generosity, we can develop a virtuous character over time.
Criticisms And Debates Surrounding Aristotle’s Definition Of Human Excellence
Despite Aristotle’s significant contributions to the field of ethics, his definition of human excellence has faced criticisms and debates over the years. One of the main criticisms is that his definition of excellence as a mean between two extremes is too vague and subjective. Critics argue that what may be considered a mean for one person may not be the same for another, leading to inconsistencies in determining what constitutes excellence.
Another criticism is that Aristotle’s emphasis on habituation as a means of attaining moral excellence ignores the role of individual agency and free will. Critics argue that relying solely on habituation can lead to a lack of personal responsibility and autonomy in ethical decision-making.
Additionally, some modern philosophers have questioned Aristotle’s emphasis on rationality as the defining characteristic of human excellence. They argue that emotions and intuition also play a significant role in ethical decision-making and should not be discounted.
Finally, some critics have pointed out that Aristotle’s definition of excellence may be limited by its exclusion of non-human beings. They argue that excellence should not be limited to only human beings, but should also extend to other living beings and the environment as a whole.
Despite these criticisms, Aristotle’s definition of human excellence continues to be influential in contemporary ethical discourse and remains a topic of ongoing debate and discussion.
