Aristotle Virtue

The doctrine of the mean, as coined by Aristotle, describes virtues as lying between the vices of excess and deficiency (Aristotle 98). This middle ground of virtue is considered by Aristotle to be excellence, which is meant to say that the thing is both good and performs its function well (Aristotle 98). The application of these virtues is not defined in a specific manner by Aristotle, as he believed that actions depended on circumstances, so there couldn’t be a one-size-fits-all standard (Aristotle 96). In order to develop and master the application of virtues, we have to practice them in our daily lives until it becomes a habit (Aristotle 95). We develop a virtue only when our actions constantly display and follow the virtue we are trying

To guide these decisions, we are to use reason, rather than instinct, while being sure our decisions do not impact the autonomy--the ability to make decisions--of other individuals (Kant 41). A categorical imperative is something that we always have to do, no matter what the context of the situation is (Kant 42). Decisions that are good to make under this category fall under what is sometimes known as the universal law formulation, which says “Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law” (Kant 42). This means that if the action you’re debating can’t be made a law that everyone else has to follow, then you shouldn’t do the action. Contrastingly, a hypothetical imperative is dependent on an additional condition (Kant 42). Kant also states how other humans shouldn’t ever be used by another individual only as a means to get something. Specifically, he said: “Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of another, always at the same time as an end and never simply as a means . . .” (Kant

Mill, however, thinks that a focus on the future outcome is far more crucial than what the in-the-moment action is (Mill 47). When comparing all three, Aristotle gives the loosest rules as to what actions individuals should take. Kant and Mill only give a couple of guidelines, though these guidelines seem to be a more definite determinant of what action should be taken. This lends some insight into why Aristotle believes that virtues need to be practiced in order to be mastered, as it is would likely take longer to find the mean between two vices rather than finding whether something could be turned into a universal law or if it uses utility for the greatest number of people possible. In reference to the similarities, both Aristotle and Mill believe in doing things for the greater good (doing things to benefit the most