ARISTOTLE’S "ARETOLOGY"

Abstract

The author in this paper analyzes Aristotle’s aretology, starting from the controversial question wheter virtues come about in us by nature or are just a matter of habit, convention and laws, which contrary to everything are being reinforced to human nature. Then the disccussion turns to Stagirites’classification of virtue and his central determination of virtue as is a state concerned with choice lying in a mean relative to us, this being determined by logos and in the way in which the man of practical wisdom would determine it. Furthermore, the paper discusses the double status which virtue takes up in Aristotle’s works, i.e. its mean condition relative to the ontological dimension and excellence or extreme having in mind the axiological aspect. Finally, the Stagirites’ classification of virtues i.e. of their means, as well as corresponding extremes i.e. excess and defect, which are in relation to different actions and feelings are being summarized. Aristotle, the author concludes, at the end of the classical era, tried to embrace the internal differentiation and different strata of Hellenic polis by segmented and speculative investigation of virtues, particularly justice, in order to find the cohesive factor of particular, specific and general interests and compatibility of all elements of “ethical”, “economic” and “political” spheres of living.