Final answer:
Aristotle argues that a child's likelihood of becoming a virtuous adult is highly influenced by their upbringing and habituation processes that establish positive dispositions toward virtue.
Step-by-step explanation:
Aristotle believed that a child has little chance of becoming a virtuous adult if they lack a good upbringing. Such an upbringing is vital as it promotes the formation of positive dispositions, arguably making an individual's tendencies closer to the mean state of virtue. In contrast, a bad upbringing leads to negative dispositions and a drift away from virtue. The role of habits and the importance of government regulation in family life, education, and culture are also emphasized in this process of developing virtues like wisdom, courage, moderation, and justice. In addition to upbringing and habituation, Aristotle underlined the importance of social relationships and external goods, such as success and friendships. This holistic view ensures that the path towards eudaimonia, or flourishing, is not just about personal development in virtue but is also about one's engagement with the wider community and the cultivation of rationality, which he saw as the unique function of human beings.