1. Aristotle on the Virtue of Temperance or Moderation and the Vices of Self-Indulgence and Insensibility
Excess: Self-Indulgence Mean: Temperance or Moderation Deficiency: Insensibility (very rare)
Desires pleasant things more than he should Desires pleasant things to the right amount Does not desire pleasant things enough
When it comes to natural pleasant things desired by When it comes to natural pleasant things desired by Enjoys pleasant things less than most people
nearly everyone, consumes more than needed amount nearly everyone, consumes needed amount or not at all
When it comes to other pleasures desires and enjoys When it comes to other pleasures desires and enjoys Does not find some things more pleasant
 the wrong kinds (perhaps also right kinds)  the right kinds than others
 beyond the right degree  to the right degree
 in the wrong ways  in the right ways
Is led by appetite for pleasant things to pursue them as When it comes to other pleasant things, desires and
he should not -- inordinately pursues them as he should – within order
 so they interfere with ends  if they are not hindrances to ends
 when they are contrary to what is noble  if they are not contrary to what is noble
 beyond his means  if they are not beyond his means
Feels pained by not having desired pleasures when Feels no pain or moderate pain when not getting Does not feel pained by not having desired
desiring them or when not getting them desired pleasures pleasures – since doesn’t really desire them
Would feel pain if compelled to temperate actions Feels pleasure in choosing temperate actions
Deals with bodily pleasures , our desires for them, enjoyment of them, and pursuit of them
Aristotle says: pleasures of food and drink, and sexual pleasures
We can add: all sorts of pleasures of the senses, like fine foods and drinks, stimulating drinks, drugs, massages, exercise, sleeping, sunbathing, fine fabrics,
music, entertainment, good scents, etc.
This virtue could also pertain to time – as I argue it would when applied to SI leaders, Instructors, and Students
Copyright Gregory B. Sadler, 2011 ReasonIO: philosophy into practice