Temperance

Definition

Temperance is the virtue that promotes self-control and moderation, especially concerning desires and appetites. It encourages individuals to find balance in their lives, ensuring that they do not become enslaved by their desires. This virtue is integral to achieving harmony within oneself and is often viewed as essential for a fulfilling life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Temperance is one of the four cardinal virtues, alongside prudence, justice, and courage, all of which are interrelated and essential for moral character.
2. In philosophical discussions, temperance is often linked to achieving eudaimonia, as it helps individuals lead a balanced life, aligning desires with rational thought.
3. Plato argued that temperance enables individuals to master their appetites, leading to greater harmony within the soul, where reason, spirit, and appetite function in concert.
4. Cultivating temperance involves conscious effort and practice; it is not merely an innate trait but a skill that can be developed over time.
5. The virtue of temperance is vital for the pursuit of justice and happiness, as it helps individuals prioritize long-term goals over immediate gratification.

Review Questions

• How does temperance contribute to the overall unity of the cardinal virtues?
  • Temperance plays a crucial role in uniting the cardinal virtues by fostering self-control and moderation. It ensures that one's desires do not overpower reason or the pursuit of justice. By balancing appetites with rational thought, temperance allows individuals to practice prudence and courage effectively, thereby harmonizing all virtues into a cohesive moral framework.
• In what ways does temperance influence the concept of eudaimonia in philosophical thought?
  • Temperance is fundamental to achieving eudaimonia because it enables individuals to live a balanced and fulfilling life. By practicing moderation, one can avoid excesses that lead to unhappiness or dissatisfaction. This virtue allows individuals to align their desires with rational goals, facilitating personal growth and a deeper sense of well-being essential for true happiness.
• Evaluate how temperance impacts an individual's understanding of justice and its relation to happiness.
  • Temperance influences an individual's understanding of justice by instilling a sense of balance between personal desires and the welfare of others. When individuals practice self-control, they are less likely to act selfishly or unjustly, which fosters a harmonious society. This alignment of personal well-being with collective justice leads to a more profound sense of happiness, as individuals find fulfillment not just in personal gains but also in contributing positively to their communities.

Related terms

Moderation: The practice of avoiding extremes and maintaining a balanced approach in behaviors and desires.

Self-control: The ability to regulate one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in the face of temptations and impulses.

Virtue Ethics: An ethical theory that emphasizes the role of character and virtue in moral philosophy rather than rules or consequences.