1.  Before you read what Aristotle has to say about virtues, how would you define virtue and what are seven virtues that you think are important for humans to cultivate?  After reading, how does Aristotle define arete (virtue or excellence)?  How is his definition similar to and different from yours?  How does his list of virtues resemble and how does it differ from your list?  Why do you suppose there are both similarities and differences?

2.  According to Aristotle, a moral virtue is a mean between excess and defect/deficit. What does he mean?  What is included and what is excluded by this definition?  Be able to explain Aristotle’s views using courage or temperance as an example.

2. How can a mean be relative to us as people and relative to the nature of the thing itself (the area of behavior)? 

3.  Should all things be done in moderation? 

4.  What advice does Aristotle give to help people to hit the mean?