
βActs are called just or temperate only if done as a virtuous person would do them.ββ
β Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book II, Chapter 4
(Translated by W.D. Ross)
π Core Idea
Ethical behavior is your life’s smart assistant β just as Siri fails without WiFi and intent, βvirtuous acts require wisdom (π‘), intentionality (π―), and integrity (π). Like programming a robot to mimic human ethics, we must reverse-engineer moral exemplars’ code.
β Why This Matters Today
π± βSocial Media Justice
Shallow act: Post #BLM then ignore IRL racism π«
Virtuous act: Attend protests + fund bail funds β code βdigital-to-real integrity β
π βAcademic Temperance
Shallow act: Memorize answers for test β forget next day π«
Virtuous act: Teach concepts to peers β hardwire βknowledge stewardship β
πΏ βEco-Conscious Action
Shallow act: Buy metal straw β ignore fast fashion π«
Virtuous act: Audit wardrobe + host clothing swaps β model βsystemic sustainability β
π Action Steps
- βMoral Blueprint Journal
Use Reflectly app:
“Daily question: ‘Would [ethical role model] approve this choice?'” - β21-Day Virtue Mirror
- Week 1: Shadow 1 mentorβs habits (e.g., their email ethics)
- Week 2: Adopt 2 new principled behaviors (e.g., citing sources)
- βEthical Compass Squads
Form 4-person groups β biweekly dissect moral dilemmas β draft βcommunity virtue protocols