Book 2 / Chapter 5
Paragraph 3 - Choice and Disposition in Virtues and Passions
Explanation - Part By Part
"Again, we feel anger and fear without choice, but the virtues are modes of choice or involve choice."
Aristotle is distinguishing between emotions, like anger and fear, and virtues, such as courage or kindness. Emotions come to us naturally and involuntarily—we don't choose to feel angry or scared; they just happen to us. On the other hand, virtues are deeply tied to our choices. Being virtuous involves conscious decisions and deliberate actions, not just experiencing emotions passively. In essence, virtues are about how we respond to emotions and situations, reflecting our moral character and self-control.
"Further, in respect of the passions we are said to be moved, but in respect of the virtues and the vices we are said not to be moved but to be disposed in a particular way."
This part is distinguishing between passions (emotions such as anger or fear) and virtues or vices (character traits like kindness or cruelty). Aristotle explains that passions are something that "move" us—they are reactions that happen to us, often out of our control. They’re fleeting and situational.
In contrast, virtues and vices are not about being "moved" by external events, but about how we are disposed, or inclined, to act consistently in a particular way because of our character. They reflect stable, deliberate habits shaped by our choices over time, not just temporary emotional reactions. This highlights the idea that being virtuous or vicious isn't about what happens to us, but about how we intentionally respond.