What does Aristotle believe is necessary for becoming good?

Aristotle asserts that the development of virtue and, consequently, the attainment of goodness requires practical application in everyday life. He emphasizes that virtues are habits formed through repeated actions rather than merely concepts understood through theoretical knowledge.

For Aristotle, moral virtues are developed through practice and experience. This means that one becomes good by actively engaging in virtuous actions and reflecting on those actions, which helps individuals to internalize virtuous behavior over time. He believes that it is through this active participation in ethical practices that individuals can cultivate a virtuous character.

While knowledge of ethical theories and memorizing moral principles may provide a foundational understanding of what is considered good, they are inadequate for truly becoming virtuous. Similarly, following strict laws does not necessarily cultivate actual goodness; it may lead to mere compliance without the deeper understanding or integration of virtue in one's life. Hence, the emphasis on practical application aligns with Aristotle's belief that true moral development arises from lived experience rather than just intellectual understanding or adherence to rules.