According to Aristotle, virtue is excellence as a state of character paired with rationality. State of character is not a feeling or tendency to behave in specific ways, but a condition we are settled in. There are four states, each of which consist of varying forms of judgment, action, and feelings. Virtue is a voluntary intermediate state between two vices – excess and deficiency. and is attained by maintaining the mean between these two states. Someone who is virtuous has the right judgment, right action, and right feelings, so they embody excellence of character. You can do virtuous things without being virtuous, though. I also believe that to be virtuous you must choose your ends for your own sake.
Virtues are considered traits by Aristotle, so to be virtuous one must practice these tendencies until the virtue is internalized. Some virtues I think are important to learn are generosity, honesty, and courage. I think the only way to be virtuous is if you truly want to do a service to humanity. As mentioned before, you must exist between excess and deficiency. A virtuous person is someone who knows what to do, does it, and feels good about doing it. It can also be referred to as excellence of character.
Eudaimania is the activity of the soul in accordance with virtue, and can also be defined as happiness. Virtues play an important part in happiness, as being virtuous creates happiness. I do believe if you do not act with virtue you will be less happy than you would if you did.
Grace's Blog 