When it comes to understanding the human experience, few philosophers have had as much influence as Aristotle. His work on ethics, politics, and aesthetics has shaped our understanding of what it means to be human for centuries.
One of his most important contributions to the field of literature is his concept of character in tragedy. But what exactly did Aristotle mean by character?
In this article, we’ll explore his ideas and see how they still resonate with us today. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of Aristotle’s philosophy.
What Is Character According To Aristotle
According to Aristotle, character is one of the six components of tragedy. It refers to the human beings represented in the drama, but more importantly, it refers to their moral fortitude and disposition. Aristotle argues that characters are either admirable or inferior, and their actions reflect this disposition.
For Aristotle, character is the second-most important component of tragedy after plot. Tragedy, he believes, is an imitation of an action, not merely of a person. Character determines if that action will be admirable or inferior – that is, moral or immoral. The best tragedies have balance between good and evil character. A character shouldn’t be too moral, but their change of fortune should arise from an error that is not a moral deficiency.
Aristotle defines virtuous character as a state concerned with choice, lying in a mean relative to us, this being determined by reason and in the way in which the man of practical wisdom would determine it. By calling excellence of character a state, Aristotle means that it is neither a feeling nor a capacity nor a mere tendency to behave in specific ways. Rather it is the settled condition we are in when we are well off in relation to feelings and actions.
Aristotle claims that character develops over time as one acquires habits from parents and community, first through reward and punishment. One acquires a good character much as one may learn to play a musical instrument: initially, one may be under some pressure to practice, but eventually, one enjoys playing with skill and understanding.
The Importance Of Character In Tragedy
In tragedy, character plays a crucial role in determining the moral nature of the action being represented. According to Aristotle, character is second in importance after plot, and it is through the characters’ actions that the plot is advanced. The representation of character should always enhance the plot, and characters should be either admirable or inferior, reflecting their moral disposition.
Aristotle believes that the best tragedies have a balance between good and evil character. Characters should not be too moral, as this can make them seem unrealistic, but their change of fortune should arise from an error that is not a moral deficiency. This means that the tragedy should not simply depict a good person suffering for no reason, as this would not be a realistic representation of life.
The importance of character in tragedy lies in its ability to evoke emotions such as pity and fear in the audience. The audience should be able to relate to the characters and understand their motivations, which will help to create a sense of empathy with them. This empathy will then lead to an emotional response when the characters experience a reversal of fortune or suffer a tragic end.
The Three Components Of Character
According to Aristotle, there are three fundamental components of character:
1. Moral Disposition: This refers to the innate tendency of a person towards either good or bad actions. Aristotle argues that characters are either admirable or inferior, and their actions reflect this disposition.
2. Practical Wisdom: This is the capacity for judgment developed through experience and reflection, which guides conduct where technical knowledge cannot. Aristotle believes that practical wisdom is necessary for the development of virtuous character.
3. Habituation: This is the process by which a person acquires habits from parents and community, first through reward and punishment. Aristotle claims that character develops over time through habituation, and that one can acquire a good character much like one learns to play a musical instrument.
Aristotle believes that these three components work together to develop virtuous character. Virtuous character is a settled condition where one is well off in relation to feelings and actions. It is not a feeling or capacity, but rather a state concerned with choice, lying in a mean relative to us, determined by reason and in the way in which the man of practical wisdom would determine it.
The Role Of Character In Moral Education
Aristotle believed that character development is central to moral education. He believed that a virtuous character is not innate, but rather developed through habituation and practice. Therefore, moral education should focus on cultivating good habits and virtues in individuals from a young age.
Aristotle argued that the development of good character requires a balance between reason and emotion. He believed that individuals must learn to control their emotions and act in accordance with reason. This involves developing virtues such as courage, self-control, and justice.
Furthermore, Aristotle believed that moral education should take place within a community. He argued that individuals learn moral values from their parents, peers, and society as a whole. Therefore, it is important for communities to promote moral values and provide opportunities for individuals to practice virtuous behavior.
How Aristotle’s Ideas On Character Still Apply Today
Aristotle’s ideas on character still apply today in various ways. One of the most significant applications is in the field of moral philosophy. Aristotle’s concept of character as a state concerned with choice and lying in a mean relative to us has influenced contemporary virtue ethics. Virtue ethics emphasizes the importance of developing good character traits, such as honesty, courage, and compassion, and using them as a guide for ethical decision-making.
Moreover, Aristotle’s emphasis on the role of habit in shaping character is also relevant today. Contemporary psychology recognizes the importance of habits in shaping behavior and character. Habits are automatic responses to specific situations that are developed through repetition. By cultivating good habits, individuals can develop virtuous character traits that become second nature to them.
Aristotle’s concept of character also applies to leadership. In business and politics, leaders are judged by their character as much as their actions. A leader with good character traits, such as integrity and empathy, is more likely to inspire trust and loyalty from their followers. On the other hand, a leader with bad character traits, such as dishonesty and selfishness, is likely to undermine trust and damage relationships.
In conclusion, Aristotle’s ideas on character continue to be relevant today in various fields, including moral philosophy, psychology, and leadership. By emphasizing the importance of developing good habits and virtuous character traits, Aristotle provides a framework for personal growth and ethical decision-making that remains valuable today.
