Final answer:
The concept of virtue, as discussed by philosophers such as Aristotle, pertains to the cultivation of character and well-being through deliberate practice, lying at a mean between excess and deficiency. Ancient and modern philosophers like the Stoics and G. E. M. Anscombe have contributed to the discourse on how virtue plays a role in human flourishing, highlighting the interplay between moral character and external circumstances.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Virtue in Philosophical Context
To exercise or possess virtue is to demonstrate excellent character. Philosophers like Aristotle elaborated on the concept of virtue, associating it with human well-being. According to Aristotelian ethics, virtues are developed through habit and deliberate practice, rather than being innate or acquired passively.
Aristotle on Virtue
Aristotle discusses virtue extensively in his work 'Nicomachean Ethics,' proposing that virtues lie at a mean between deficiency and excess. He offers the example of bravery, stating it is the golden mean between cowardice and rashness. By aligning our character with this mean, we cultivate virtue and contribute to our overall well-being.
Social Elements of Virtue
Aristotle also recognized that a flourishing life entails more than virtuous development. Elements such as friendships and external goods also play a critical role in what he called eudaimonia, or human flourishing. Conversely, the Stoics believed that virtue alone was sufficient for flourishing, irrespective of external circumstances.
In modern philosophical discourse, G. E. M. Anscombe rekindled interest in the concept of eudaimonism, highlighting the intrinsic value of having a good will as proposed by Kant. The debates around virtue continue to influence our understanding of moral behavior and personal development in various aspects of life, including law, ethics, and psychology.