Aristotle and virtues

Aristotle's ideas of virtues aligns with how they are obtained through individuals. As we continue to grow and constantly act, our virtues grow with us. Just as Aristotle uses the harp analogy to explains how, “For playing the harp makes both good and and harpist”. Our virtues act the same: we all have virtues, but depending on the person, virtues will be completely different. Repeating our actions and ideas over the years, will affect our virtues and how we see the world around us. Habits are the same. Just as habits form by doing the same action over and over, virtues will become apart of our daily lives through our repetitive thoughts and actions.

Following John Locke’s ideas, we are born with a “clean slate”. We are born with no good and no evil in us. As we decide our actions and ideas, they determine who we are. Virtues are the same. We decide our virtues through our viewpoints of the world and our attitudes towards one another. Although, outside factors will also interfere with our virtues like socio-economic status, parents or guardian influence, and religious beliefs. Overall our virtues are not predetermined rather, they are through our ideas and choices that make us the people we are.