Ready to uncover according to Aristotle what is virtue? Dive into our free Aristotle virtue ethics quiz to see if you can answer virtue ethics questions based on the core idea that according to virtue ethics the fundamental moral question is what sort of person we ought to be. This engaging virtue test invites philosophy buffs and curious minds to explore nonconsequentialist approaches and challenge themselves with thought-provoking ethics philosophy questions or a quick morality quiz . Sharpen your insights, expand your understanding, and start testing your wisdom today - take the quiz and see how you score!
What does Aristotle define as virtue?
A social convention
A settled disposition to choose the mean
An innate talent
A random behavior
Aristotle describes moral virtue as a habituated disposition for choosing the mean between extremes of excess and deficiency. Virtue is thus neither natural nor random but cultivated through practice. It represents a steady state of character. For more on Aristotle's doctrine of the mean, see Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
What is the term Aristotle uses for flourishing or happiness?
Eudaimonia
Pathos
Logos
Ethos
Aristotle identifies eudaimonia as the final end or highest good, often translated as 'flourishing' or 'happiness.' It is the activity of the soul in accordance with virtue over a complete life. Eudaimonia is self-sufficient and the aim of all actions. See Britannica: Eudaimonia.
According to Aristotle, virtue is the mean between two extremes of what?
Freedom and necessity
Excess and deficiency
Logic and emotion
Mind and body
Aristotle's doctrine of the mean holds that virtue lies between the extremes of excess and deficiency. The virtuous response avoids both too much and too little of a feeling or action. This mean is relative to us and determined by reason. For further details, visit Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Which area is moral virtue concerned with?
Character and action
Natural science
Political theory
Theoretical knowledge
Moral virtues for Aristotle relate to character traits and actions - how we feel and behave. They are developed through habituation rather than theoretical study. These virtues govern passions and conduct. More on this can be found at Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
What is the Greek term for character or habit in Aristotle's ethics?
Doxa
Praxis
Pathos
Ethos
Aristotle uses the term 'ethos' to refer to moral character or habit. Virtues are dispositions of the soul shaped by repeated actions. These habits determine how we choose the mean. For more, see Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
According to Aristotle, virtues are acquired by:
Habitual practice
Instruction alone
Divine grace
Birth
Aristotle argues that moral virtues arise from habituation - repeatedly performing virtuous actions. While instruction helps, one only becomes virtuous by doing the virtuous act. Neither nature nor mere teaching alone suffices. See Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Which of the following is an example of a moral virtue according to Aristotle?
Mathematics
Architecture
Grammar
Courage
Courage is one of Aristotle's classic examples of a moral virtue - it's the mean between rashness and cowardice. It concerns feelings of fear and confidence. Moral virtues regulate emotions and actions. Further reading at Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
The doctrine of the mean suggests that virtue lies between extremes of:
Mind and body
Reason and passion
Justice and injustice
Too much and too little
Aristotle's doctrine holds that moral virtue is the intermediate between two vices, one of excess and one of deficiency. Each virtue corresponds to a balanced state appropriate to the individual. This concept is central to his ethical theory. See Britannica.
Intellectual virtue, according to Aristotle, arises primarily from:
Chance
Habituation
Genetics
Teaching
Aristotle distinguishes intellectual virtues, like wisdom, which come through teaching and learning. Moral virtues come through habit, but intellectual ones require instruction. Both are necessary for eudaimonia. More at Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
What term does Aristotle use for practical wisdom?
Episteme
Sophia
Phronesis
Techne
Aristotle calls practical wisdom 'phronesis' - the intellectual virtue that enables correct deliberation about moral actions. It guides moral virtues toward the mean. Phronesis is crucial for virtuous decision-making. See Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Which of these is NOT one of Aristotle's five intellectual virtues?
Episteme (scientific knowledge)
Thumos (spiritedness)
Techne (craft skill)
Dianoia (thought)
Aristotle lists five intellectual virtues: techne, episteme, phronesis, sophia, and nous. Thumos, or spiritedness, is a part of the psyche but not an intellectual virtue. It relates to moral rather than intellectual aspects. More info at Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Aristotle considers justice to be an example of which type of virtue?
Intellectual virtue
Both moral and intellectual
Neither
Moral virtue
Justice is a moral virtue for Aristotle because it concerns fair treatment and character. It is not an intellectual virtue, which deals with knowledge and reasoning. Justice regulates actions toward others. See Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
What is the first step to becoming virtuous, according to Aristotle?
Practicing virtuous acts
Reading poetry
Loving virtue
Learning definitions
Aristotle stresses that moral virtue is developed through habituation - performing virtuous acts repeatedly. Knowledge of the mean helps, but action is primary. One becomes just by doing just acts. More at Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
According to Aristotle, the aim of the state is:
To enforce laws
To expand territory
To ensure wealth
To promote virtue and eudaimonia
Aristotle argues that the state exists to cultivate virtuous citizens and ensure their flourishing. Political community is natural because humans are political animals. Law and governance serve virtue. See Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
In Nicomachean Ethics Aristotle describes the final good as:
Eudaimonia
Wealth
Pleasure
Honor
Aristotle identifies the final good as that which is desired for its own sake - eudaimonia. While pleasure, honor, and wealth can contribute, they are not ends in themselves. Eudaimonia is self-sufficient. More at Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Which best describes moral responsibility in Aristotle's ethics?
Necessity
Desire
Deliberate choice
Accident
Aristotle holds that moral virtue depends on voluntary actions - those done with knowledge and choice. Actions done under compulsion or ignorance lack moral responsibility. Virtue requires deliberation. See Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
In Aristotle's ethics, courage is the mean between which two extremes?
Hope and fear
Rashness and cowardice
Confidence and timidity
Boldness and hesitation
Aristotle defines courage as the virtuous mean dealing with fear and confidence. Rashness is excess confidence, cowardice is deficiency. Courage balances these extremes in the face of danger. For details see Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
What role does rational principle play in Aristotle's conception of virtue?
It guides desires toward the mean
It opposes virtues
It is irrelevant
It is separate from virtue
Aristotle sees reason as central in determining the virtuous mean. Rational principle (logos) directs our appetites and actions to what is appropriate. Without reason, we cannot identify or choose virtue. More at Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
How do intellectual virtues differ from moral virtues for Aristotle?
They pertain to thought rather than character
They are innate while moral virtues are learned
They focus on action rather than reasoning
They require no habituation
Intellectual virtues involve the exercise of reason and knowledge, such as wisdom and understanding. Moral virtues concern character and are formed by habit. Both are necessary for eudaimonia. For more, see Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
According to Aristotle, voluntary actions are those that proceed from:
Knowledge and choice
Ignorance
Passion alone
Force
Voluntary actions for Aristotle involve awareness of particular circumstances and choice. Actions under compulsion or ignorance are involuntary. Moral virtue requires voluntariness. See Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Which Greek term does Aristotle use for the mean?
Ethos
Pathos
Mesotes
Logos
Aristotle uses 'mesotes' to refer to the intermediate state, or mean, between extremes of excess and deficiency. This concept underlies his account of moral virtue. The mean is relative to us and determined by reason. More at Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
A person who lacks the feeling necessary for courage is defective in:
Intellectual virtue
Legal obligation
Bodily health
Moral virtue
Lacking the appropriate fear or confidence shows a deficiency in moral virtue, as moral virtues govern feelings and actions. Intellectual virtues concern reasoning abilities. Moral defect arises from improper habituation. See Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
What characterizes the vicious person in Aristotle's ethics?
Having no emotions
Choosing extremes rather than the mean
Being indecisive
Always following the mean
The vicious person consistently selects actions and feelings at the extremes of excess or deficiency. They cannot hit the mean due to bad habits. Viciousness contrasts with virtue, which seeks the balanced mean. For more, see Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Which element is essential for moral action according to Aristotle?
Deliberate choice
Divine intervention
Innate talent
External reward
Moral action for Aristotle requires deliberate choice made for its own sake. External rewards or innate gifts do not make an act virtuous. Virtue depends on voluntary and knowledgeable actions. See Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
How does Aristotle reconcile the universal nature of virtue with individual differences?
By denying individual difference
By suggesting the mean is relative to each person
By proposing a strict universal mean
By appealing to a divine standard
Aristotle's notion of the mean is universal in form but relative in application - what counts as the mean varies per individual and circumstance. Reason determines the appropriate mean for each person. This allows virtues to be universal yet tailored. For deeper insight, see Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
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Study Outcomes
Understand Aristotle's Definition of Virtue -
Learn how Aristotle defines virtue as a stable disposition that enables individuals to choose the mean between excess and deficiency in their actions and emotions.
Identify the Fundamental Moral Question -
Recognize that according to virtue ethics the fundamental moral question is "What kind of person should I be?" and see how this shapes ethical inquiry.
Analyze the Doctrine of the Mean -
Examine how Aristotle's idea of the mean guides moral decision-making by balancing extremes and fostering moderation.
Apply Virtue Ethics to Real-World Scenarios -
Use Aristotelian concepts to evaluate practical dilemmas and determine virtuous courses of action in everyday life.
Assess Your Own Virtuous Character -
Take the quiz to gauge your understanding of Aristotle virtue ethics quiz questions and reflect on your personal strengths and areas for growth.
Cheat Sheet
The Golden Mean -
According to Aristotle what is virtue? It's a balanced state between two extremes of excess and deficiency (e.g., courage lies between rashness and cowardice). This principle, outlined in Nicomachean Ethics Book II, can be memorized with the mnemonic "Gold Mean = Gold Standard" to recall virtuous moderation.
Function (Telos) of Humans -
Aristotle argues that virtue centers on fulfilling our unique function or telos, which is rational activity in accordance with excellence (virtue). By reflecting on how "reason guides action," students can ace any Aristotle virtue ethics quiz question about human flourishing (eudaimonia) as life's ultimate goal. Academic sources like the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy elaborate this link between function and virtue.
Intellectual vs. Moral Virtues -
Aristotle divides virtues into intellectual (e.g., wisdom, understanding) and moral (e.g., temperance, generosity) categories, each developed differently: study for the former, habituation for the latter. Remember "I for Intellect, M for Morals" to recall that intellectual virtues stem from teaching while moral virtues come from practice. University lecture notes from Oxford confirm this twofold structure.
Phronesis (Practical Wisdom) -
Practical wisdom, or phronesis, is the keystone virtue that enables us to discern the right mean in varied contexts and answer virtue ethics questions with confidence. A handy formula is "Experience + Reason = Phronesis," reflecting Aristotle's account in Book VI of Nicomachean Ethics. This concept often pops up in a virtue test or Aristotle virtue ethics quiz as the skillful application of moral insight.
Core Moral Question -
According to virtue ethics the fundamental moral question is: "What kind of person should I be?" rather than "What should I do?" This shift, championed by Aristotle, centers character over isolated actions and is a staple query in many virtue ethics quizzes. Refer to peer-reviewed journals on moral philosophy to see why character-focused inquiry outperforms rule-based ethics in fostering genuine moral development.
