Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics bk. 4 | The Virtue of Magnanimity | Philosophy Core Concepts

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This is a video in my new Core Concepts series -- designed to provide students and lifelong learners a brief discussion focused on one main concept from a classic philosophical text and thinker.
This Core Concept video focuses on book 4 of Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics (and some parallel discussions in the Eudemian Ethics), where he discusses the Virtue of Magnanimity or Great-Souledness, the opposed vices of Small-Souledness and Vanity -- and a fourth state of Modesty or Humbleness.
This is a particularly important virtue for Aristotle, since it ties together the other virtues (like Justice and Prudence do in their ways). Since Magnanimity is associated with pride, it is also a prime example of a fundamental difference between earlier Greek-Roman ways of understanding the virtues, and Judeo-Christian ways of understanding the virtues.
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This video is one component in a set of online courses covering Aristotle's entire Nicomachean Ethics. These include 94 lecture videos, 45 downloadable handouts and worksheets, 10 quizzes, 39 lesson pages, and other resources. Check it out in the ReasonIO Academy here - reasonio.teachable.com/p/arist...

[@GregoryBSadler]

Another Core Concept video in the series on Aristotelian virtues and vices

[@Bagman451]

Fantastic video! Thanks for sharing it. The excessive vice with regard to the virtue of magnanimity reminds me a bunch of narcissism as a trait -- or megalomania, to not confuse it with NPD -- where there is an inflated sense of self-esteem, drive for recognition from anybody, sense of relevance and desire to ascertain power.
The conversation between the two vices might be offsetting and actual give magnanimity its virtuous quality, as justifiable claiming a proportional sense of worth that one deserves, from the right people at the right times and so forth. If someone is modest -- such as not taking the opportunity for additional raises, opportunities, positions -- then this creates a deficiency which might be offset by a surplus, somebody claiming an excess with respect to everything which was not taken.
"Selling yourself" seems like a great way of describing it, as many of these social-oriented virtues highlight an image of the individual. The deficient person is creating an image which does not entail their actual abilities, and therefore -- if there is a best person for the job, or someone able to better maintain an aspect of society -- this individual is not chosen. Equally so, similar to concepts of inflation, the excessive individual takes what surplus has been admitted: of any kind from any person. It would, I suppose, be similar to engaging in a relationship with a narcissist only to find out that he or she would break it off if you developed cancer -- the image portrayed not being quite so accurate.
With reference to your discussion on grades, the magnanimous person would not be satisfied if tons of extra credit was given or if the grade rubric was disproportional -- let's say 50% homework and tests, such that an "A" can be achieved in a number of ways -- therefore depriving how an image relates to relevant information. In fact, with deficient individuals creating a larger capacity for excessive individuals to thrive, this inflation makes the virtue itself an issue; it almost forces a sort of modesty to maintain being virtuous, otherwise risking excessiveness to "get one's dues".
This virtue seems highly packed and complex, because it seems to require a particular societal environment from which to express itself properly; it seems entirely possible that society makes everyone fall into either vice: if everyone stands at a sports game, then it creates a pressure to stand where sitting might be considered too modest. In a sense, if justice isn't upheld in society, this virtue doesn't see the light of day -- oddly.
Additionally, it seems to be a virtue focusing on one's image, availability, and capability. One's image, if portrayed accurately, allows a sort of conversation to take place without words; people know what can and cannot be expected, and what would be appropriate conduct towards you. Availability is a sort of opening up to the world, letting one know that one is capable of seizing upon opportunities and projects appropriate to oneself -- especially exemplified by one's image. Capability is to understand that you -- as opposed to others -- can do something well; you should have pride in this ability. Initiative should be had.
With regard to economics, it seems to make a statement that there is a "right amount of money" to be had, and rightful places an individual would funnel that money into. A person with availability and capability ought to take upon receiving more money and using it appropriately, since others might use it incorrectly. There is a sense of proportionality, that someone can make good judgements, encompassing this idea of "deserving more, and claiming such an amount".
Although this isn't egalitarian, it seems to be more correct insofar that things have a rhythm to how they ought to be appropriated. Also, apologies if these long sprouts of text of obnoxious. It's moreso that these are the only places by which semi-formal assessments can be had, and provides an opportunity to practice the usage of a thought; since, it does tell the amount of lines, people really can't complain but besides their own false belief.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Here's the thing -- given what else I've got on my plate, I haven't got the time to keep responding to such long comments

[@Anthony-oo6kk]

The magnanimous is beneficent in not being more than their own worth, while still having worth, is the essence of what is said

[@GregoryBSadler]

No, since I'm not even sure what that confusing sentence is supposed to mean

[@anthonynunyabizness9989]

I know this is over 6 years old but I hope you still see my comment. Thank you for posting this video it is truly fascinating and you really did make these seemingly complex yet simple concepts make sense.

[@GregoryBSadler]

Glad that the video was useful for you

[@Paseosinperro]

I love your videos. I was thinking that if you had a good micro it would be much better

[@GregoryBSadler]

I use a flipcam -- pretty low tech. We actually boost the sound considerably

[@boombeatz27]

I find it interesting that the way people deem God's character in the Christian bible is of one with vice excess. They usually quote the excerpts which say he's a jealous god, stories where he smites a city and such.
Just a thought 💭

[@Shitgotmegeekin]

The revised Ross translation I use of the N.E translate ”Great-Souledness” as ”pride”. It does work in some respects, but at times it did feel like Aristotle was describing something wholly different to how we use ”pride”. The notes did mention ”proper-pride” as being more correct, but I found simply reading it as ”Great-Souledness” helped most in understanding what Aristotle meant.
What translation do you prefer doc? It seems like ”pride” isn’t on the top of your list, and sure ”magniminity” works well, but using ”Great-souledness” is the best way to go imo.

[@GregoryBSadler]

I prefer that we say its a complex Greek term, and whatever translation we use, we keep that in mind

[@Shitgotmegeekin]

@@GregoryBSadler Seems resonable, appreciate the answer!