The Doctrine of the Mean

The Doctrine of the Mean, rooted in Aristotle's philosophy, suggests that virtue lies in finding a balanced middle ground between excess and deficiency. It encourages individuals to avoid extremes and instead cultivate moderation in their actions and emotions. For example, courage is a virtue that exists between recklessness and cowardice. By aiming for this balance, a person can lead a morally and emotionally healthy life, making thoughtful choices rather than impulsive or overly cautious ones. In essence, it promotes harmony and stability through moderation.