Virtue as Mean

Virtue as a mean refers to the idea that moral excellence arises from finding a balanced response between two extremes of behavior. For example, courage is the right balance between recklessness and cowardice. Too much confidence can lead to arrogance, while too little can cause fearfulness. Aristotle believed that virtues are about avoiding excess and deficiency, aiming for a moderate, appropriate reaction tailored to each situation. This concept encourages thoughtful self-regulation, striving for harmony in our actions and character by avoiding extremes.