What are two of Aristotle's virtues?

One of Aristotle's key virtues is the virtue of being indignant. He teaches that a virtuous person would be justified in being upset if an individual does well when they should not have. For example, if a person wins a game by cheating, it is justified to be angry or upset by this. But Aristotle warns agains being envious or retributive. An envious person would be angry any time someone did well, even if that individual did well deservedly. A retributive person would take joy in anyone's misfortune, even if the misfortune was deserved.

Another one of Aristotle's virtues is the virtue of being benevolent. Being a benevolent person means offering help to others whenever is realistically possible. But, Aristotle believes being too giving leads to self-sacrifice. Self-sacrificing means a person is unable to recognize when help can't be offered or is not needed. A virtuous person knows when to say no. But never offering help leads to a person becoming mean. This is also wrong in Aristotle's eyes. A virtuous person offers help when possible.

AG
Answered by Adriana G. Philosophy and Ethics tutor

3997 Views

See similar Philosophy and Ethics GCSE tutors

Related Philosophy and Ethics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is meant by a pro-choice approach to abortion?


How do Miller and Fitzgerald present the problems caused by the unattainable concept of the American dream?


Outline one philosophical argument for the existence of God.


What is Determinism, in the context of freewill?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning