Final answer:
Aristotle believed that we become virtuous through habituation—repeatedly practicing virtuous actions, which develops our character in line with reason. Virtue requires deliberate choice, knowledge, and consistent action informed by rationality, to find the 'mean' between extremes. This pursuit leads to eudaimonia, or human flourishing, which is the ultimate goal of Aristotle's ethical framework.
Step-by-step explanation:
Aristotle stated that we become virtuous through the practice of virtuous actions, which forms habits of character. These practices help to develop the potentiality of virtue into activity, similar to skills in the arts which are acquired through doing. For Aristotle, the development of virtue is tied to the perfection of reason; as we practice virtuous actions, we cultivate dispositions in accordance with reason, leading to the development of virtuous character traits such as wisdom, courage, moderation, and justice.
Being virtuous is not merely a matter of habit, though; it requires voluntary and deliberate choice, knowledge of why an action is right, and action from a consistent, firm character. Therefore, to exercise virtue is to demonstrate not just habitual action, but excellent character informed by rational deliberation. This process aligns our character with the 'mean' or intermediate state between deficiency and excess, which for Aristotle is the virtuous state.
According to Aristotle, eudaimonia, or human flourishing, is achieved when we live according to virtues. The pursuit of virtues aligns with humans' unique function—rationality—and results in a fulfilling life. Aristotle's ethical framework is a practical exploration of achieving eudaimonia through the cultivation of virtues, as outlined in his work, the Nicomachean Ethics.