Reference no: EM133363379
Assignment:
In Nicomachean Ethics (Book 4) Aristotle discusses the mean, or mid-point, between high-mindedness or pride and the deficiency of slavish flattery. The Greek word for this virtue, found at the mid-point between pride and slavish flattery, is megalapsuchia, and the Latin is magnanimity. They both can be translated as "greatness of soul." This is often referred to as "proper pride."
On Aristotle's aristocratic account of virtue, "proper pride" is an essential quality of the great and virtuous man. However, this virtue seems to be at odds with St. Augustine. He argues that humility is the virtue that Christians must have in order to become Christ-like. St. Chrysostom agrees with St. Augustine on this matter. He says the following:
"Humility is the root, mother, nurse, foundation, and bond of all virtue." These great church fathers are echoing Scripture (see Prov. 11:2; 15:33; Phil. 2:3; Titus 3:2; 1 Pet. 5:5; Matt. 18:4, 23:12).
Do you think that "proper pride" (as Aristotle describes it) is compatible with the Christian emphasis upon humility as the "bond" and "foundation" of the virtues?