Table 3.
Aristotle's list of virtues.
| Virtue (Mean) | Deficiency | Excess |
|---|---|---|
| Courage | Cowardice | Foolhardiness |
| Temperance | Insensibility | Intemperance |
| Liberality (Generosity in small matters) | Illiberality | Prodigality |
| Magnificence (Generosity in large matters) | Shabbiness | Extravagance |
| Self-worth | Diffidence | Vanity |
| Dignity | Servility | Churlishness |
| Gentleness | Impassivity | Irascibility |
| Candor | Dissembling | Boastfulness |
| Justice | Loss | Gain |
| Friendliness | Surliness | Flattery |
| Modesty | Shamelessness | Shyness |
| Righteous indignation | Malicious enjoyment | Envy |
| Wisdom | Naivety | Cunning |
| Hardiness | Softness | Toughness |
Aristotle understood virtues to be means between the vices of excess and deficiency. This table lists Aristotle's virtues along with their corresponding excess and deficiency (adapted from Kenny's (2011) translation of Eudemian Ethics; note: Aristotle develops a slightly different list in the Nicomachean Ethics).